Can you get the same effect as using mouthwash just by not rinsing your mouth after you brush your teeth?
I hearn this from someone once and have been doing it for years. I brush my teeth but I make sure that I dont wash the brush and then continue to brush, because this might wash off the toothpaste that could continue to act like a mouthwash.
I just recently wondered if this was infact a load of rubbish and if I was infact doing any harm. Any thoughts?
The best answer
I am not quite sure what you are asking, but I'll try. Mouthwash is good for your gums (especially Listerine) as it kills the bacteria. When you brush your teeth, you should not rinse your mouth out because it will remove all the flouride from your teeth before it can "soak" into the enamel. After you brush your teeth, you should rinse off your toothbrush head and put it back into the holder and don't use it again until it is dry (this allows the bacteria from your mouth to die). I hope this helps.
More answers
Funny i heard a strange thing from a girl at work who had just been to the dentist yesterday. The dentist had told her that when she brushes her teeth, especially before bed, to spit the last mouth of toothpaste out, but don't swill your mouth out with water, as this leaves some of the tootpaste in and helps to protect your teeth while you are asleep.... ooooooer!
Yes you are right ! (sort of) We encourage patients to spit rather than rinse the toothpaste out after brushing as this leaves a protective layer of fluoride and antibacterials on the teeth, which slows the build up of plaque bacteria again and helps strengthen the tooth enamel. So keep on doing what you're doing !
Get the lot taken out. And suck your cheese rolls !