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Is There Any Harm In Using Mouthwash Soon After Brushing?

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Posted on Fri, 20 Dec 2013
Question: what is the correct time of using mouthwash. i use sensodyne alcohol free mouthwash soon after brushing with dabur herbal tooth paste in the morning and afternoon.Is there any harm in using mouthwash soon after brushing? some say you should brush only after 20 minutes of eating otherwise it will erode the enamal. pls advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh B. Hegde (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer: I appreciate your eagerness. Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXX, Hello, I appreciate your eagerness. It is said that the tooth decay causing microbial activity begins immediately after we start taking the food. By the time we complete our break-fast/meals the microbes would have secreted/deposited the acids on the teeth surface. This acid makes the tooth enamel soft as enamel is made up mostly minerals[inorganic content]. when you brush immediately after food on this soften enamel it is likely to get damaged. Therefore it is better to gargle your mouth thoroughly with water so that the acid produced is diluted / taken away from teeth surface [with little water multiple times, so that you can feel the water going in between the teeth]. After this you can brush your teeth with soft tooth brush and fluoridated toothpaste with gentle pressure in roll on method or upper teeth down wards and lower teeth upwards. Theoretically it is said that one has to brush after every food, practically at least thrice is recommended as soon as you get up, after break-fast, after last food of the day. Do flossing once daily after last food of the day. [after gargling before brushing]. As such there is no harm using using alcohol free mouthwash, but it better to use after consulting the dentist. The saliva in our oral cavity itself has sufficient anti-microbial properties. Hope this gives clarity, if you still have anything in your mind you are most well-come and I will be happy to answer. with happy regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh B. Hegde (3 minutes later)
Thanks for the reply. can i use mouthwash immeadiately after brushing?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh B. Hegde (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Yes, you can Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXX, Hello, You can use mouthwash immediately after brushing. Whether you really need a mouth wash? confirm with dentist, Because many mouthwashes are being marketed as personal hygiene/cosmetic product not as pharma products where they can advertise attractively and sell their products. with regards,
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh B. Hegde

Dentist, Prosthodontics

Practicing since :1995

Answered : 77 Questions

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Is There Any Harm In Using Mouthwash Soon After Brushing?

Brief Answer: I appreciate your eagerness. Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXX, Hello, I appreciate your eagerness. It is said that the tooth decay causing microbial activity begins immediately after we start taking the food. By the time we complete our break-fast/meals the microbes would have secreted/deposited the acids on the teeth surface. This acid makes the tooth enamel soft as enamel is made up mostly minerals[inorganic content]. when you brush immediately after food on this soften enamel it is likely to get damaged. Therefore it is better to gargle your mouth thoroughly with water so that the acid produced is diluted / taken away from teeth surface [with little water multiple times, so that you can feel the water going in between the teeth]. After this you can brush your teeth with soft tooth brush and fluoridated toothpaste with gentle pressure in roll on method or upper teeth down wards and lower teeth upwards. Theoretically it is said that one has to brush after every food, practically at least thrice is recommended as soon as you get up, after break-fast, after last food of the day. Do flossing once daily after last food of the day. [after gargling before brushing]. As such there is no harm using using alcohol free mouthwash, but it better to use after consulting the dentist. The saliva in our oral cavity itself has sufficient anti-microbial properties. Hope this gives clarity, if you still have anything in your mind you are most well-come and I will be happy to answer. with happy regards