Can You Drink Water After Mouthwash?

The short answer is “Yes, but not recommended.” In case you are using a therapeutic mouthwash, the answer is a big “No.” Drinking water right after using mouthwash affects the performance of your mouthwash.

Usually, your mouthwash contains Fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel. You are not supposed to swallow the Fluoride that comes in your mouthwash.

Your mouthwash does not act quickly, and chemicals, such as Fluoride, need time to act. So, the effectiveness of your mouthwash decreases, and the risk of adverse effects increases if you drink water right after using mouthwash.

It also depends on the composition and type of your mouthwash. Your therapeutic mouthwash is different from cosmetic mouthwash. Just like a cosmetic mouthwash, it can protect you against bad breath, but it contains chemicals and can fight against harmful bacteria.

Your dentist might recommend using a therapeutic mouthwash to improve your oral health while fighting against gum disease. It is not recommended to drink water after mouthwash, especially a therapeutic mouthwash, because it contains active chemicals.

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Key Takeaways

Do not drink water after mouthwash.
Cosmetic mouthwash does not work if you drink water after mouthwash.
Drinking water after therapeutic mouthwash can be dangerous and harmful.

Why Can’t I Drink Water After Mouthwash?

There are several reasons for not drinking water after mouthwash. These include the type, chemical composition, and effectiveness of your mouthwash.

While it is not advisable to drink water after cosmetic mouthwash, you should certainly avoid drinking water after therapeutic mouthwash. That’s because it is not safe to swallow or drink a therapeutic mouthwash.

Rinsing your mouth with water after a cosmetic mouthwash takes away the ability of Fluoride to act. You won’t benefit from a mouthwash if you rinse your mouth with water after mouthwash.

Is It Ok To Drink After Mouthwash?

No, it is not good to drink water or any other fluid after mouthwash. Your mouthwash needs time to act, and it becomes useless if you drink water or any other such fluid after mouthwash.

It is risky to drink after therapeutic mouthwash because it contains active chemicals, and you should not swallow or drink active chemicals.

How Long After Mouthwash Can I Drink Water?

At least 30 minutes. Beneficial chemicals, such as Fluoride, take time to act. You wait for at least 30 minutes after mouthwash because you do not want to swallow harmful chemicals inside your therapeutic mouthwash.

Doesn’t tap water already have Fluoride?

In some countries, people drink fluoridated water, but recent studies have shown that fluoridated water is not good for oral health.

Let’s say that your mouthwash contains fluorine, and your toothpaste also carries fluorine. Drinking fluoridated water after mouthwash will lead to an increase in cavity risk.

It does not matter whether you use a fluoridated toothpaste or a mouthwash. You should not drink water after mouthwash.

Excessive consumption of fluorine is not good for oral health and can lead to tooth decay. Unfortunately, not many people know about it and drink fluoridated water after mouthwash.