An orthodontist has sparked controversy after advising her fans to avoid rinsing with water and mouthwash after brushing their teeth.
Dr. Sable of New York, who regularly shares dental advice on TikTokShe recently told her followers to never rinse with water or mouthwash after brushing their teeth so that the toothpaste can “stay on your teeth.”
An orthodontist works very similarly to a dentist and is qualified to diagnose and treat problems that occur with the teeth and jaw in both adults and children.
Although the doctor admitted that it would “feel weird” at first, he insisted on “spitting out the excess toothpaste” after brushing, a tactic he explained would prevent future cavities.
Many were left stunned by her claims, while some viewers vowed to continue rinsing toothpaste off after brushing their teeth “forever.”
New York orthodontist Dr Sable (pictured) has sparked controversy after advising her fans to avoid rinsing with water and mouthwash after brushing their teeth.
“Many people do this and don’t realize that it’s not right. Let’s see why,” the doctor began.
‘You’re actually not supposed to rinse with water after brushing your teeth… and that’s actually true and that’s also why we tell you not to use mouthwash after brushing your teeth.
‘When you brush your teeth with toothpaste, there’s fluoride in it and the idea is that when you brush your teeth, the toothpaste stays on your teeth, that way the fluoride can integrate with the enamel and make sure that your enamel is strong and protected.’
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen the hard, protective outer layer of teeth, called enamel. This, in turn, protects teeth from damage and wear.
Dentists have long been advocating the benefits of having fluoride on your teeth, including Nottingham dentist Dr Shyaam Vallabh, who said toothpaste containing fluoride is one of the best ways to strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. He added that it is important to leave it on your teeth as long as possible.
Dr. Sable agreed, saying that “rinsing right away” would “rinse away all the toothpaste” and therefore waste any recently applied fluoride as it would “almost be gone.”
He then revealed that the medically appropriate way to brush your teeth was to “spit out” any excess toothpaste that had built up during brushing and refrain from “rinsing anything else out.”
“I know it’s a weird feeling for the first time and it feels like your mouth isn’t clean,” she admitted.
Although the doctor admitted that it would “feel weird” at first, he insisted on “spitting out the extra toothpaste” after brushing his teeth, a tactic he explained would prevent future cavities.
“But I swear this will help prevent cavities, it will help you a lot. You’ll get used to it after about a week. Try it and tell me how it goes,” he advised.
Before ending the video, she left one last piece of advice: “Use water floss before brushing your teeth for the same reason,” she said.
The video, which has been viewed more than a million times, sparked a flood of responses, even from those who say they refuse to ever follow expert advice.
One viewer commented: “I will always rinse after brushing my teeth, no one wants a dry mouth or a weird aftertaste, that’s why we use mouthwash.” This defiant statement was liked by over 2,000 people.
Many were left stunned by her claims, while some viewers vowed to continue rinsing toothpaste off after brushing their teeth “forever.”
One person agreed with this sentiment, writing, “Absolutely not… there is no way I rinse my teeth after brushing. I have been rinsing my teeth after brushing since I was a kid and my teeth are in perfect condition.”
“I can’t do it. No matter what toothpaste I use, it stings if I don’t rinse after brushing,” said another.
One person said they were “confused” by the doctor’s advice: “So we just keep spitting out toothpaste all day if we don’t rinse? Because there’s no way to swallow it properly? Haha. I’m so confused.”
Meanwhile, another person said: “I started doing this recently and noticed a huge difference. My teeth are so much whiter too!”