The Correct Way to Brush Your Teeth: What You Need to Know

Brushing your teeth is a basic part of daily hygiene that most of us perform at least twice a day without much thought. However, recent advice from functional dentist Dr. Victoria Sampson, shared on Steven Bartlett’s The Diary of a CEO podcast, suggests that many of us have been brushing our teeth wrong all along. According to Dr. Sampson, there's one crucial step that many people overlook during their brushing routine, which could be diminishing the benefits of the whole process.

The Common Mistake Most People Make When Brushing Their Teeth

Dr. Sampson highlighted a simple yet significant mistake that many people make while brushing: rinsing your mouth with water immediately after brushing. This step, which is common practice, could be counterproductive. Dr. Sampson explains that rinsing your mouth washes away the concentrated fluoride and other beneficial components of the toothpaste, leaving your teeth unprotected.
A dentist revealed the biggest mistake you're making when brushing your teeth (Westend61 / Getty)
In her explanation, she likens this to applying sunscreen to your skin only to immediately shower off the product before going outside. Just as the sunscreen would be ineffective after washing it off, rinsing your mouth right after brushing removes the protective fluoride that toothpaste leaves behind on your teeth and gums.

Why Rinsing After Brushing Can Be Harmful
Dr Victoria Sampson explained that you should never rise after brushing (Daniel Day / Getty)

When you rinse your mouth after brushing, the toothpaste’s fluoride and other beneficial ingredients are washed away, reducing the effectiveness of the toothpaste. Dr. Sampson’s advice is to spit out the toothpaste after brushing but avoid rinsing with water. This allows the fluoride to stay on the teeth for a longer period, providing better protection and helping to prevent tooth decay.

The Correct Method of Brushing

1. Brush your teeth thoroughly, focusing on each tooth and ensuring you clean every surface.

2. Spit the toothpaste into the sink.

3. Do not rinse with water. Simply let the toothpaste residue remain on your teeth to allow the fluoride to keep working.

By following this technique, you ensure that your teeth receive the maximum benefit from the toothpaste’s active ingredients, especially fluoride, which is key to cavity prevention and overall oral health.

What Other Dental Experts Say

According to Sensodyne, a well-known toothpaste brand, rinsing immediately after brushing can wash away the fluoride, making it less effective. Their official website states, "Rinsing with mouthwash immediately after brushing may not be the best for your teeth, even if your mouthwash contains fluoride."

Several other dental experts agree with this advice. They emphasize that while mouthwash is beneficial, using it right after brushing can eliminate the fluoride concentration left on your teeth, thereby reducing its protective effects.

Why Not Rinsing Can Improve Oral Health

By keeping the fluoride on your teeth, you allow it to continue to work for a longer time, which helps protect your enamel from decay. This method also prevents the gums from getting irritated and helps to maintain overall gum health.

Conclusion: A Simple Change to Improve Your Oral Health

To summarize, the next time you brush your teeth, remember: after spitting out the toothpaste, don’t rinse. Allow the toothpaste to stay on your teeth for as long as possible to get the most out of the fluoride and other active ingredients.

By making this small adjustment to your routine, you could improve your oral health, reduce your risk of cavities, and maintain a healthier smile. If you're unsure or need more personalized advice, always consult with your dentist.

Sources:

1. Sensodyne - "Why rinsing after brushing isn't recommended"

2. The American Dental Association (ADA) - "How to Brush Your Teeth Properly"

3. Journal of the American Dental Association - Various studies on the effectiveness of fluoride and brushing techniques