Should you brush or gargle first?
Andrew Mccoy
Updated on January 14, 2026
For the over-achievers, rinsing both before and after you brush your teeth might be the best option. You're loosening particles and plaque before and making sure they're completely free of particles after. All the while killing as much bacteria as possible. It's really up to you on how you choose to use your mouthwash.
Should I gargle before or after brushing?
After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste. Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.Should I gargle water before brushing?
Dr Carter said: “Rinsing our mouth with water is very bad for our teeth as it washes away the protective fluoride left behind by brushing. “Fluoride is the single-most important ingredient in toothpaste. It greatly helps oral health by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay.Do you gargle after brushing?
It may be difficult to break the habit of rinsing your mouth after brushing, but it might be good to start trying. Leaving residual toothpaste in your mouth can reduce tooth decay. Rinsing with mouthwash immediately after brushing may not be the best for your teeth, even if your mouthwash contains fluoride.What order should you use mouthwash?
Mouthwash FirstWhile it may be temping to freshen up with mouthwash before you brush or floss, generally it is better to finish with mouthwash rather than start with it. The reason has to do with the two primary benefits of rinsing with mouthwash.