Every time I go to brush my teeth, I soak my toothbrush under running water first. I also do this when I’m preparing a toothbrush for my daughter. I honestly never thought I would do it any other way. It’s something as automatic as flushing the toilet. According to the experts, however, it’s a mistake. But only according to some. Others say it’s necessary.

Don’t soak once and for all

Pediatric dentist Michal Kaczmarek says that soaking a toothbrush before brushing your teeth should be completely avoided. He explained that wet bristles soften and this significantly reduces the effectiveness in the first few seconds of brushing. There is also talk that toothpaste on a wet toothbrush may not have the same effectiveness in fighting tooth decay. In fact, water reduces the effectiveness of fluoride. And this is an important component of toothpaste.

“Toothpaste already has the right amount of moisture,” Dr Sahil Patel of Marylebone Smile Clinic told theMirror. “If it’s wet, it foams up faster and you spit it out,” she added. Dental expert Nigel Carter, in particular, agrees with Michal Kaczmarek’s assertion. He too talks about water weakening the bristles. However, they are opposed by other experts who don’t think it has any effect.

━━ ( Source: National Cancer Institute /  Unsplash+ )

Water has no effect

“From a dentist’s perspective, the wetness of a toothbrush does not have a significant impact on its effectiveness in removing plaque and maintaining oral hygiene,” Rhonda Kalasho, DDS and CEO of TruGlo Modern Dental, told Green Matters . “The key is technique and thoroughness of brushing, along with the use of an appropriate toothpaste.”

Soaking is beneficial

Payal Bhalla, senior dentist and clinical director at Quest Dental talks about how wetting the toothbrush before use helps prevent tooth discoloration and reduces irritation. According to her, moistening the bristles plays several important roles. It spreads toothpaste more evenly over the teeth, which improves plaque and food residue removal. Moist bristles also soften, which makes brushing more gentle on the gums and tooth enamel , reducing the risk of damage. He adds that wetting the toothbrush can soothe sensitive mouths and dilute the abrasiveness of some toothpastes, further protecting teeth from wear and tear.

To soak or not to soak

Soaking your toothbrush seems to be similar to everything else. While some experts say that this is exactly how it should be done, others say the complete opposite. So there’s nothing to do but consider all the reviews from individual doctors and decide for yourself whether or not to soak your toothbrush before brushing. If you are unsure, I recommend discussing this topic with your doctor.

He or she is the only one who knows your teeth and can recommend what is good for you. Your dentist should also recommend the right toothpaste and, last but not least, the right toothbrush, the right interdental brushes and other accessories for taking care of your teeth and gums. Of course, your dental hygienist can also give you this advice.