An orthodontist sparked controversy after advising her followers on TikTok to avoid rinsing with water or mouthwash after brushing their teeth, according to the British Daily Mail. Dr. Sibel, from New York, who regularly shares dental tips on her TikTok account, recently recommended not rinsing with water or mouthwash after brushing to allow the toothpaste to "stay on the teeth."
Dr. Sibel is an orthodontist qualified to diagnose and treat issues related to teeth and jaws in adults and children. Although she acknowledged that those following her advice may initially find it "strange," she insisted on the importance of "removing toothpaste residue" after brushing, describing it as a tactic to prevent future tooth decay. Many followers were shocked by her claims, while some viewers vowed to continue rinsing toothpaste after brushing "forever."
Dr. Sibel began her discussion by saying, "Many people do this without realizing it's not correct, so let's understand why." She explained that "actually, rinsing with water after brushing is not supposed to happen. This is true, which is why we advise against using mouthwash after brushing."
She added, "When you brush your teeth with toothpaste, there is fluoride in it, and the idea is that when toothpaste remains on the teeth, fluoride can integrate with the enamel, ensuring its strength and protection."
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen the hard outer protective layer of teeth, known as enamel, which can in turn protect teeth from damage and wear. Dental professionals have long advised the benefits of applying fluoride to teeth. Dr. Shyam Valab, a dentist from Nottingham, stated that fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of decay, adding that it is crucial to leave fluoride toothpaste on the teeth for as long as possible.
Dr. Sibel agrees with this perspective, stating that "immediate rinsing" would "remove all the toothpaste," thus wasting all the fluoride recently applied to the teeth as it would "somewhat disappear." She revealed that the proper medical method for cleaning teeth is to "spit" out the excess toothpaste accumulated while brushing and refrain from "rinsing anything else," asserting that this method "will help prevent tooth decay and will help a lot. Users will get used to it after about a week."
Before ending her video, Dr. Sibel offered one last piece of advice: "Use water floss before brushing teeth for the same reason." The video, viewed over a million times, elicited a wide range of responses, including reactions from those stating they would never follow expert advice.
**Opposing Comments**
One opposing follower wrote, "I will always rinse after brushing my teeth; nobody wants bad breath or the strange taste that leaves, which is why we use mouthwash," and the comment garnered over 2,000 likes. Another agreed, writing, "Definitely no. I've been brushing my teeth with toothpaste and rinsing since I was a child, and my teeth are in excellent condition."
