Should you use warm salt water to rinse before or after your brush teeth?

It is generally not recommended to use warm salt water to rinse before or after brushing your teeth. Here's why:

1. Before Brushing: Rinsing with warm salt water before brushing your teeth can interfere with the effectiveness of your toothpaste. Fluoride, a key ingredient in most toothpastes, helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. When you rinse with water before brushing, you may dilute or wash away some of the fluoride, reducing its benefits.

2. After Brushing: Rinsing with warm salt water after brushing can rinse away the remaining toothpaste and fluoride, which could reduce their protective effects. It is generally advisable to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing and avoid rinsing immediately to allow the fluoride time to work.

Using warm salt water rinses can be beneficial for certain oral health conditions, such as gum inflammation or soreness, but it should be done as a separate step, not before or after brushing. It is always a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist for personalized advice on your oral hygiene routine.