Readers ask, we answer: Should I wet my toothbrush before I brush? (2024)

FAQs

Readers ask, we answer: Should I wet my toothbrush before I brush? ›

You might have seen a flood of Twitter chatter sparked by a tweet reading, “Do ya'll wet the toothbrush first, or put toothpaste on first?” The response online was mixed, but our answer is pretty simple: Wetting your toothbrush is more a matter of preference and doesn't significantly change the success of brushing.

Wetting your toothbrush before brushing is generally a matter of personal preference. There's some debate about wetting toothpaste before brushing and its effects on efficacy, but the ADA doesn't provide official guidance.

Dr. Nigel Carter feels that the most effective application is to not use water at all and use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. As per Dr. Carter, the water weakens the bristles and makes them less effective in cleaning teeth.

Bacteria can easily grow on toothbrushes, so it's important to store them in a clean, dry place. The best way to do this is to use a protective case in your suitcase or toiletry bag. But DO take your brush out of the case and allow it to air dry between uses wherever you're visiting.

Some experts, including the U.K.'s Oral Health Foundation, now recommend spitting out any excess saliva or toothpaste after you're done brushing as opposed to rinsing your teeth. Leave the fluoride on your teeth as you go about your day, and try to avoid eating or drinking for 10 minutes or more after brushing is done.

Hair that's wet and filled with moisture is more fragile than hair that's dry, which can result in snapping when brushed. As such, it's recommended to brush hair in a dry state (guide-to-detangling-curls). This may mean allowing your hair to air-dry post-shower before beginning to comb through hair strands.

Dry exfoliating is considered to have more benefits because the removal of dirt and dead cells is more efficient when the skin is dry. Water pumps up the skin, which makes wet brushing a bit less effective.

But did you know that dry brushing is also an important part of improving your oral hygiene? It is true. Dry brushing needs to be considered an important element of your hygiene routine because it is significantly more effective in removing plaque than the conventional way of brushing your teeth.

Use hot water

Forget soaking a toothbrush in mouthwash or denture cleaner or using UV light cleaners. “I suggest just rinsing your toothbrush in good, hot water,” says Dr. Kahn.

Similarly, if you're wondering whether to use mouthwash before or after brushing, there is a general consensus that using it after brushing is more effective for your oral health. Anti-microbial properties of oral rinses can be diminished if you brush your teeth right after.

Why should you cover your toothbrush in the bathroom? ›

Either way, a cover is usually used as a way of protecting our toothbrush from outside germs and bacteria. We all want a clean toothbrush; after all, it is something that we use in our mouth! It's no secret that toothbrushes can harbor lots of germs, including bacteria and viruses.

You should never store your brush in a closed or airtight container, as bacteria love moisture and will thrive in this environment. Instead, place the brush in a cup or holder in an upright position to ensure that it dries off thoroughly. Avoid putting it in a drawer or cabinet, as well.

Wash off your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it. Keep it dry. “Bacteria love a moist environment,” Harms says. Make sure your brush has a chance to dry thoroughly between brushings.

The thing is, each style has valid benefits: Wetting before softens toothbrush bristles and rinses off debris. Wetting after ensures the toothpaste melts into your toothbrush so it doesn't roll off. Not wetting your toothbrush means there aren't extra steps between applying toothpaste and brushing.

“Drink water right after you wake up in the morning, even before brushing your teeth!” Dr Rohatgi wrote on Instagram. The importance of drinking adequate amount of water throughout the day cannot be stressed enough.

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.

Moist objects are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. You want your toothbrush to air dry to get rid of any bacteria that are killed by the air. Keeping it upright will help it to drain and dry more quickly.