After brushing, many people rinse their mouth with water. It feels fresh and clean. But rinsing straight after brushing washes away fluoride.

Fluoride in toothpaste helps strengthen enamel and protect against tooth decay. It needs time to work.

When you rinse with water, you:

• Remove protective fluoride.

• Reduce the toothpaste’s effect.

• Lower the level of protection.

The better approach is simple:

• Spit out the excess toothpaste after brushing.

• Do not rinse with water.

• Avoid eating or drinking straight away.

This allows the fluoride to stay on your teeth for longer.

You can use a fluoride mouthwash if you wish. A fluoride mouthwash can give your mouth an extra protective boost. This can be especially helpful if you have bleeding gums or are more prone to plaque build-up.

If you use a fluoride mouthwash, follow the instructions on the label. Some people prefer to use it at a different time of day from brushing for maximum benefit.

It may feel unusual at first not to rinse with water. But this small change can make a big difference over time. Letting fluoride stay on your teeth helps protect your smile every day.