Rinsing your mouth out with water is a common thing that people do to keep their mouths fresh and clean. However, it’s important to know when and when not to rinse. There are occasions when rinsing your mouth out with water can cause more harm than good. Dr. Sheen from Annapolis Center For Dental Health & Wellness provides insights on when to rinse your mouth out with water as well as when not to below:
Saltwater Rinses
Homemade saltwater rinses are often recommended in aftercare instructions following dental procedures. Because some dental procedures like tooth extractions require incisions into your soft tissues, patients must be able to keep the affected area clean throughout the healing process. Often, patients will find it difficult to brush and floss around the affected area for a few days following the procedure. In the meantime, saltwater rinses can be used to keep the affected area clean to encourage proper and fast healing. By mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a cup of lukewarm water and gently sloshing the water around in your mouth, ensuring it coats the affected area, you will keep any incision sites or abrasions clean and avoid infection. Once the area is healed enough for you to comfortably brush and floss, you no longer need to utilize saltwater rinses.
After Midday Meals
One way to keep your breath fresh after midday meals is to rinse your mouth out with water. This is encouraged when brushing and flossing are not as convenient. If you spend most of your day out of the house at work or at school, you don’t always have time to brush and floss as needed. In this case, rinsing your mouth out with water will help dislodge any food residue left behind after midday meals as well as keep your mouth moist to avoid a dry mouth. You may also chew sugar-free gum to keep your smile fresh while you are on the go. Once you return home, don’t forget to follow up with a thorough brushing and flossing session to restore your smile from a hard day’s work.
After Brushing Your Teeth
One of the common mistakes that we see patients make in our Annapolis dentist office is rinsing their mouths out with water following brushing their teeth. You should avoid rinsing your mouth out with water after brushing your teeth. This is because many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes contain active ingredients that are used to fight plaque and tartar buildup, dental stains, as well as tooth sensitivity. When these active ingredients are immediately washed away when you rinse your mouth with water, this makes them far less effective. These ingredients are meant to remain on your teeth after you brush. Remember to avoid rinsing your mouth out with water the next time you practice your at-home oral hygiene routine for best results. To learn more about bettering your dental health this new year, schedule an appointment with our Annapolis dentist office today.