Surprising reason you should

Dental experts advise against rinsing your mouth with water after brushing, as it can wash away fluoride from the toothpaste, reducing its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay. Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, a Canadian dentist, explains that fluoride helps protect teeth from cavities, so spitting out excess toothpaste without rinsing ensures better fluoride retention. Fluoride, a mineral added to public water since the 1940s, is recognized by the CDC as a major public health advancement for reducing cavities.

Scottish dentists Clement Seeballuck and Nicola Innes from the University of Dundee emphasize that avoiding rinsing, especially at night, is crucial since saliva production decreases during sleep, leaving teeth more vulnerable to acid attacks. Not rinsing after brushing allows fluoride to work longer, potentially reducing tooth decay by up to 25 percent. Though breaking the habit of rinsing can be challenging at first, especially when tired, it significantly improves oral health.