this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2026
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me_irl
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Why not dip the toothbrush in the cup of water you'll use to rinse your mouth with? Unless you rinse directly from the tap by sticking your face under the faucet or something.
This is actually another action that isn’t advised. Most toothpastes work (in terms of protecting your enamel) by causing a reaction between certain compounds with calcium and magnesium in them, and your saliva, to deposit them onto the enamel on your teeth, remineralising them. Rinsing your mouth with water after you’ve brushed your teeth dilutes the useful compounds in your mouth and the anti microbial agents, making it much less effective at protecting your tooth/gum health. You can just spit out the excess from brushing and go about your day.
What about rinsing with mouthwash?
Mouthwash isn't generally recommended. If you feel the need, the consensus is you should floss > use a non-alcoholic mouth rinse > brush, specifically to make sure you leave the toothpaste on your teeth. Mouth rinses will generally have some fluoride, the active ingredient, but it will be in far lower concentration than the toothpaste. It took a few days to get used to it, but you adapt faster than you would imagine.