Rinsing with water is a major part of an oral care program. Yet while many folks focus on the old adage of brushing twice a day, they often forget the rinsing component. In this post, we’ll discuss why rinsing with water is effective and how you can add it to your oral care routine.
It’s Not “Just Water”
Little known fact: January 25 marked the 69th anniversary of community water fluoridation. The Center for Disease Control named this public health practice one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. It began in Grand Rapids, Michigan; now, 210.7 million people (or 74.6 percent of the U.S. population on community water systems) have access to optimally fluoridated water.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that inhibits demineralization and helps support dental enamel. All water contains some amount of it, but usually at levels too low to prevent tooth decay. By managing the amount of fluoride in drinking water, suppliers can achieve an optimum concentration that reduces the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth in the community they serve.
Intersperse Rinses Between Brushing Sessions
Brushing twice a day is good; three times is better. However, the midday brushing session often gets skipped. The excuses are numerous and understandable: work gets in the way; stopping what you’re doing and finding a sink/toothbrush is distracting; lunch takes priority; and many more.
A quick rinse with drinking water is an excellent substitute if midday brushing isn’t for you. It also can pay serious dividends if you consume lots of soda and/or candy. By rinsing right after consuming a sweet treat, you wash away the harmful sugars and give a fluoride boost to your enamel.
Consider a Fluoride Rinse
For those who are willing to add a new component to their oral health routine, there are several fluoride rinses on the market. These mouthwashes not only strengthen enamel, but they also help combat gingivitis and bad breath as well.
Our office can answer any questions you have about the fluoride levels of water in the Jacksonville area. We also have several more tips about rinsing and mouthwashes. Give us a call at 904-384-4391, send us a message on Facebook, or email us at frontdesk@drrittenberg.com if you’d like to talk “rinsing.”
Recent Comments