Ever wondered if you should spit and rinse after brushing? What about the age that you can use mouthwash from?
Towards the end of last year, two advisory panels were held by Johnson & Johnson Ltd., one of which created a patient-friendly consensus on mouthwash use, in part looking at the science, evidence and guidance that informed the ‘spit’ and ‘rinse’ elements of the consensus.
Ultimately, those present concluded that there was a need for simple recommendations to be made available in relation to plaque management, resulting in the patient-friendly consensus below:
“Healthy gums don’t bleed when brushed. Twice daily brushing along the gum line and cleaning in between the teeth is essential to support a healthy mouth. Fluoride mouthwashes clinically proven to reduce germs (plaque) offer additional benefit.”
In practical terms, this suggests professional assessment and modification of spit don’t rinse to introduce adjunctive plaque management benefits in certain circumstances.
Below the age of 7…
‘Spit don’t rinse.’
Over the age of 7…
‘For better gum health, after brushing spit and then rinse with a fluoride mouthwash that is clinically proven to reduce germs (plaque).’
This represents a modification to support a better outcome for poor gum health when deemed appropriate by the clinician, again based on evidence, context, professional judgement and a tailored approach.
For more information, including the full evidence base, please click here.
If you would like to register as a new patient please click here.
