An orthodontist has caused a stir after advising her fans not to rinse with water and mouthwash after brushing their teeth.
Dr. Sable, from New York, who regularly gives dental advice on TikTokrecently told her followers that they should never rinse their mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing, so that the toothpaste “can sit on their teeth.”
An orthodontist works much like a dentist and is qualified to diagnose and treat dental and jaw problems in both adults and children.
Although the doctor admitted it would feel “weird” at first, she insisted on “spitting out extra toothpaste” after brushing, explaining that this is a tactic to prevent future cavities.
Many people were stunned by her claims, with some viewers vowing to rinse off their toothpaste after brushing ‘forever’.
Dr. Sable (pictured), an orthodontist in New York, has stirred up controversy after advising her fans not to rinse with water and mouthwash after brushing their teeth.
“So many people do this and don’t realize it’s not right. Let’s look at why,” the doctor began.
‘You’re not really supposed to rinse your mouth with water after brushing your teeth… and that’s true. That’s why we also recommend that you don’t use mouthwash after brushing your teeth.
‘When you brush your teeth with toothpaste, it contains fluoride. The idea is that the toothpaste stays on your teeth when you brush your teeth. That way, the fluoride can bond with the enamel and ensure that your enamel remains strong and protected.’
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen the hard outer layer of teeth called enamel, which in turn protects teeth from damage and wear.
Dentists have long advised on the benefits of fluoride on your teeth, including Nottingham dentist Dr Shyaam Vallabh who said that fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to strengthen your enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. She added that it is important to leave it on your teeth for as long as possible.
Dr. Sable agreed, saying that if you “rinse right away,” you’re “rinsing away all the toothpaste” and therefore wasting any fluoride you recently applied because it would be “kind of gone.”
She then revealed that the medically correct way to brush your teeth is to “spit out” the extra toothpaste that builds up while brushing and to rinse “nothing else.”
“I know it feels strange for the first time and it feels like your mouth isn’t clean,” she admitted.
Although the doctor admitted it would feel “weird” at first, she insisted on “spitting out extra toothpaste” after brushing — a tactic she said would prevent future cavities.
“But I swear this will help prevent cavities, this will help so much. You’ll get used to it after a week or so. Give it a try and let me know how it goes,” she advised.
Before ending the video, she gave one final tip: “Use your water flosser before you brush your teeth, for the same reason,” she said.
The video, which has been viewed more than 1 million times, has prompted a flood of responses, including from people who say they never follow experts’ 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’. The provocative statement was liked by over 2,000 people.
Many were stunned by her claims, while some viewers vowed to continue rinsing off the toothpaste after brushing ‘forever’.
Someone who agreed with this sentiment wrote: ‘Absolutely not… I absolutely do not rinse after brushing my teeth. I have been rinsing after brushing my teeth since I was a child and my teeth are in perfect condition.’
“I can’t do it. It doesn’t matter what toothpaste I use, it burns if I don’t rinse after brushing,” said another.
One person said he was “confused” by the doctor’s advice: “So, we’re supposed to spit out the toothpaste all day when we… [are] don’t rinse? Because we can’t swallow it? Lol. I’m so confused’.
Meanwhile, someone else said: ‘I’ve been doing this for a while now and I’ve noticed a huge difference! My teeth are so much whiter too!’
