A Nigerian content creator has sparked widespread debate on social media after advising people not to rinse their mouths immediately after brushing. In a viral post, she explained that dentists recommend spitting out excess toothpaste foam rather than rinsing with water, because rinsing washes away fluoride, the active ingredient that protects the teeth.
According to her, toothpaste contains fluoride that forms a protective layer on the teeth, helping to strengthen enamel and fight off cavities. She stressed that rinsing right after brushing removes this protective barrier and reduces the benefits. The content creator also claimed that avoiding rinsing instantly after brushing could help prevent bad breath and reduce cases of halitosis.
Dental experts agree with this position. Fluoride is widely regarded as one of the most effective substances in preventing tooth decay. By remaining on the enamel after brushing, it continues to strengthen the teeth and repair early stages of decay. When rinsing with water follows brushing, much of this fluoride is removed, leaving the teeth less protected. Dentists around the world have for years advised patients to spit out excess toothpaste and allow the thin film left behind to continue working.
Dr. Chidi Nwankwo, a Lagos-based dentist, said the advice is consistent with global best practices. He explained that fluoride is most effective when it stays on the teeth for longer. “When you rinse immediately, you dilute or remove the fluoride that should be coating your teeth. The best practice is to spit out and allow the fluoride to stay on the enamel. Over time, this habit can significantly reduce the risk of cavities,” he said.
The viral video has also drawn attention to oral health habits in Nigeria, where many people still struggle with proper brushing routines. While urban residents often have access to fluoride-based toothpaste, rural communities still rely on chewing sticks and traditional methods. Studies have shown that many Nigerians brush too quickly, skip night brushing, or fail to use toothpaste effectively. The advice not to rinse, though unfamiliar, may prove to be a small but impactful change in boosting oral hygiene outcomes.
Online reactions to the viral post have been mixed. Some users said they had been practicing the method for years on the advice of their dentists, and credited it for improving their dental health. Others found the idea uncomfortable, insisting that they could not leave toothpaste residue in their mouths after brushing. “How do you expect me to leave toothpaste foam in my mouth? It feels so uncomfortable. I’d rather rinse and brush again if needed,” one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Supporters countered that discomfort should not outweigh the benefits of stronger enamel and fewer cavities.
The debate has also highlighted the connection between brushing habits and bad breath. While not rinsing after brushing allows fluoride and antibacterial agents in toothpaste to continue working, dentists warn that bad breath is often caused by other factors such as poor tongue cleaning, gum disease, smoking, or digestive problems. They recommend brushing the tongue, flossing regularly, and attending dental check-ups in addition to adopting the no-rinse practice.
Globally, health organizations like the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK have long endorsed this approach. Their guidelines advise patients to spit out toothpaste foam after brushing without rinsing, and to avoid using mouthwash immediately afterward. Instead, mouthwash should be used at a different time of the day so it does not interfere with fluoride’s protective role.
In Nigeria, the viral advice has reignited conversations about oral hygiene awareness. Many families are accustomed to rinsing thoroughly as a sign of cleanliness, but experts say this cultural habit may be undermining the protective benefits of toothpaste. With preventable dental problems such as cavities and tooth decay still common across the country, adopting the spit-don’t-rinse approach could help reduce the burden on healthcare systems and improve long-term oral health.
Somtochukwu’s viral video may have divided opinions, but it has also succeeded in sparking a wider conversation on oral health practices in Nigeria. Dentists maintain that while it may feel unusual at first, allowing fluoride to remain on the teeth after brushing is a simple, low-cost way to keep teeth stronger and healthier for longer. For millions of Nigerians, the debate could mark the beginning of small lifestyle changes that result in brighter smiles and fewer dental visits.
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