Most people do it this way: brush teeth, rinse, and finally a sip of mouthwash. It feels thorough. However, in many cases, this is exactly the sequence that washes part of the dental care back out of the mouth.
The short answer
If you use a toothpaste with fluoride, mouthwash does not belong directly afterwards. It is better to use it before brushing or at a completely different time of day, for example after lunch. After brushing, just spit it out and don't rinse.
The only exception: Your mouthwash contains fluoride itself. Then it is less problematic right after brushing.
Why the order matters so much
Fluoride doesn't just work during the two minutes of brushing. It deposits as a thin protective layer on the tooth enamel and continues to work there for quite a while. The decisive factor is how much of it remains on the teeth after brushing.
Every rinse afterwards dilutes this layer. With water just as much as with a fluoride-free mouthwash. You are therefore brushing thoroughly and then washing away the most effective part of the toothpaste.
Spit, don't rinse
That is why the dental recommendation is: spit out the toothpaste thoroughly after brushing, but do not rinse with water. The slight residue of toothpaste in the mouth is intentional.
If that is too uncomfortable for you, take at most a small sip of water and rinse briefly once. That is a compromise, but significantly better than rinsing thoroughly several times.
And afterwards, it is best to eat and drink nothing but water for half an hour so that the active ingredients have time to work.
And what about toothpaste without fluoride?
Toothpastes with hydroxyapatite instead of fluoride also work through contact: the fine mineral particles attach themselves to the tooth surface. The principle is therefore the same. Spitting instead of rinsing does no harm and gives the active ingredient more time. The study situation on the question of "to rinse or not to rinse" is thinner for hydroxyapatite than for fluoride, but there is no reason to do it differently.
The sensible order in the evening
- Clean the gaps between teeth, for example with MINTFloss dental floss, or for wide gaps, bridges, or implants with MINT MasterFloss. Which version is right for you can be found in Dental floss or interdental brush.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes with light pressure. The MINT Clean toothbrush cleans inner, outer, and chewing surfaces in one motion.
- Clean your tongue with the MINT tongue cleaner. How to do this can be found in Cleaning the tongue.
- Spit, don't rinse.
Mouthwash comes either right at the beginning or at another point in the day, for example at noon after eating when there is no toothbrush at hand anyway. This way, it has its own benefit and doesn't displace the toothpaste.
Two special cases
Medical mouthwashes with chlorhexidine are prescribed or recommended by the practice, for example after procedures or for severe gum inflammation. Follow the instructions from your practice here. Often, an interval of about half an hour from toothpaste is recommended because some ingredients in the toothpaste can weaken the effect. More on the differences can be found in Which mouthwash is the best?
Mouthwashes with hydrogen peroxide are intended for daily care and fresh breath. What they can and cannot do is described in the article Mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide.
Do you need a mouthwash at all?
A mouthwash does not replace a toothbrush or dental floss. It reaches the surfaces, but it does not remove stuck-on plaque. It is useful as a supplement, for example for sensitive gums, bad breath, implants, or if you are on the go during the day and cannot brush.
And one more point about timing: After acidic foods or drinks, the enamel is softer for a short time. In that case, a mouthwash or a sip of water is a better choice than immediate brushing. More on this in Brushing teeth before or after breakfast.
The MINT mouthwashes
All MINT mouthwashes are alcohol-free and do not contain fluoride. Therefore, the following applies to them: use before brushing or at another time of day, not directly afterwards.
- MINT Biotic mouthwash with probiotic ferment for the oral flora
- MINT Paro+ mouthwash with hyaluron for sensitive gums
- MINT mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide for fresh breath and the smile routine
Frequently asked questions about mouthwash and rinsing
Should you rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth?
Better not to. Spit out the toothpaste, but don't rinse with water. This keeps the active ingredients on your teeth for longer. If it is too uncomfortable for you, a small sip of water is enough.
How long after brushing my teeth can I use a mouthwash?
Ideally, not directly afterwards, but at a different time of day. If you want to combine them, use it before brushing.
Does a mouthwash replace brushing your teeth?
No. A mouthwash reaches the surfaces but does not remove stuck-on plaque. It is a supplement, not a replacement for a toothbrush and dental floss.
Mouthwash in the morning or evening?
That is secondary. It is more important that it is not used directly after brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Many people use it at noon after eating when there is no toothbrush at hand.
Floss first or mouthwash first?
Clean the gaps first, then brush. Mouthwash belongs either at the beginning or at another point in the day.
Professional background: MINT Cosmetics was founded by Dr. Mariana Mintcheva, a dentist specializing in aesthetic dentistry and head of the MINT Dental Spa in Düsseldorf. All advisory content is created based on practical dental experience. It does not replace individual dental advice.
