Using mouthwash after brushing your teeth is 'wrong', dentist warns

Many people will have a quick rinse with mouthwash after brushing their teeth. It is a common practice people think helps by applying an extra defence and locking in freshness.

However, a dentist has warned this is one of the worst thing you could do to your teeth. Dr Shaadi Manouchehri is a dental surgeon and facial aesthetics practitioner having graduated with BDS Honours from Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Dr Shaadi Manouchehri has amassed over 293,000 followers on TikTok. She often shares tips and advice to keep your oral health in top condition.

In one of her latest videos, Dr Manouchehri said: "I will never use mouthwash straight after I brush my teeth. I've been a dentist for almost 10 years and it still shocks me when people tell me that they use mouthwash after they brush their teeth.

"We need to be using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day to brush the teeth because, not only does fluoride make your teeth physically stronger, it actually kills the bacteria that causes decay. It can even reverse decay in its early stages which means that if you have the cavity that's starting, fluoride is going stop it from progressing and it'll stop you needing a filling therefore reducing your dental bills and improving your oral health.

"If you use mouthwash straight after you've brushed your teeth, you're basically removing the protective fluoride layer from your teeth which means you're more susceptible to getting cavities. If you want to use mouthwash, you can use it at a completely different time to brushing.

"After you've had lunch, if you want a bit of a refresh, this is the time to use mouthwash. You can also use mouthwash before you brush your teeth to freshen things up and remove some of the plaque before you go in with your toothbrush and floss."

That advice is echoed on the NHS website, which states that using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. But, warns against using it (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth for the exact reason given by Dr Manouchehri.