Should you use LISTERINE before or after brushing?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 14, 2026
The good news is, it won't matter. You can rinse your mouth with mouthwash before or after you brush and/or floss without significantly affecting its benefits.
Should you use Listerine before brushing?
According to the American Dental Association, it doesn't matter whether you use mouthwash before or after brushing. Both are equally effective. The sequence in which you brush, floss and rinse makes no difference as long as you do a thorough job and use quality products.
Should I Use Listerine after brushing?
The Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth. However, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends avoiding mouthwash right after brushing, since this may wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, the NHS recommends using mouthwash at a different time of day.
When should I use Listerine mouthwash?
Use mouthwash at lunch or after other meals & snacks – It's a good idea to brush after every meal, but this isn't always possible, so you can incorporate mouthwash as a substitute. A quick rinse with mouthwash will help kill bacteria and remove food particles, preventing plaque and acid buildup in your mouth.
How long should I wait to use mouthwash after brushing?
AND WHEN DO I USE IT? We know that rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash might be tempting just after you have brushed. Not so fast. If you're using fluoride toothpaste, don't use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes after brushing!
23 related questions foundIs it good to use Listerine everyday?
Mouthwash every day is also a great addition to your oral care routine. If used daily, it is a great way to freshen your breath and kill any harmful bacteria left over after flossing and brushing.
Are you not supposed to rinse after brushing teeth?
It may be difficult to break the habit of rinsing your mouth after brushing, but it might be good to start trying. Leaving residual toothpaste in your mouth can reduce tooth decay. Rinsing with mouthwash immediately after brushing may not be the best for your teeth, even if your mouthwash contains fluoride.
How effective is LISTERINE?
In one meta-analysis comparing prescription-strength and over-the-counter solutions, products like Listerine wound up reducing dental plaque in patients by between 13 percent and 56 percent, with a reduction in gingivitis of between 14 percent and 36 percent.
Should I mix LISTERINE with water?
If the mouthwash seems too strong, you can dilute it by adding water. That said, you should check the label first, since diluting the product could reduce its ability to fight plaque. Some people experience irritation when rinsing with mouthwash. This is especially common for people who have sensitive gums or teeth.
How often should you use LISTERINE?
Most mouthwash products recommend that you use them twice per day, after brushing and flossing.
Is it better to use mouthwash in the morning or at night?
Most dentists do recommend adding a fluoride mouthwash in the morning and at night. Using mouthwash serves as a preventative measure and gives your teeth an extra rinse to catch anything that your toothbrush left behind. For some people, brushing and flossing alone isn't enough.
Can I use mouthwash right after eating?
Although you can use mouthwash whenever you need to freshen your breath, the best time to use mouthwash is right after you eat. The sugars in the food and drinks you consume make your mouth more acidic. If you brush your teeth immediately after eating, you brush acid into your teeth, causing tooth erosion.
Why does Listerine burn so much?
Most mouthwashes contain alcohol, which causes the burning sensation many of us are used to. Alcohol is used in mouthwash because it is effective in killing the bacteria that can lead to gum disease, decay, and bad breath. However, many people prefer not to use mouthwashes with alcohol because the burn is too painful.
Why do you have to wait 30 minutes after using mouthwash?
Fluoride Rinse
Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing. It is important for the active ingredient to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes, so do not wash it away by eating, drinking or rinsing.
Can I use mouthwash before brushing?
The good news is, it won't matter. You can rinse your mouth with mouthwash before or after you brush and/or floss without significantly affecting its benefits.
How do you use LISTERINE correctly?
How to use fluoride mouthwash and rinses
- Use the right amount - Use the amount of rinse indicated on the label or as directed by your dentist.
- Swish like you mean it - Keep your mouth closed and swish the rinse vigorously as directed on the label.
- Spit - Don't swallow mouth rinse.
Do dentists recommend Listerine?
However, most dentists highly recommend adding mouthwash to your morning and evening routine. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions such as dry socket, tooth sensitivity, and xerostomia (aka dry mouth) may very well find mouthwash essential.
Is it better to floss or mouthwash?
Flossing first can provide better results, but overall, if you're brushing and flossing daily, you're doing a great job with your oral health, regardless of which order you choose. However, it's still important to use mouthwash last, as the product won't work as well if rinsed away during subsequent oral hygiene steps.
What is the best mouthwash for receding gums?
Corsodyl. Corsodyl is a well-known manufacturer of toothpaste, floss, and mouthwashes. The Corsodyl mouthwash helps with bleeding gums as well as recession, and it prevents gum disease. It is the go-to brand for many people with gum recession.
Is it OK to leave toothpaste on your teeth overnight?
That's because rinsing washes away the protective fluoride coating provided by toothpaste, explains Lynn Tomkins, President of the Ontario Dental Association. “I recommend not rinsing, particularly for the nighttime,” she says, because that way, “You leave a nice film of fluoride on your teeth overnight.”
When is the best time to brush your teeth?
The best time to brush your teeth in the morning is when you first wake up. Bacteria can build up overnight, leaving a bad taste in your mouth and film on your teeth. Brushing first thing in the morning will get rid of bacteria and jump start your saliva production for the day.
Is brushing your teeth 3 times a day too much?
Twice is enough for most people, but three times won't hurt!
We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning (i.e. around 30 minutes after breakfast), and once before bed! But if you want to go for three, that's no issue, just as long as you don't brush too hard or too soon after eating!
What are the side effects of LISTERINE?
Listerine Side Effects
Swollen, red, or bleeding gums, tooth loss or ongoing tooth pain (signs that you may need additional dental care).
What is the safest mouthwash to use?
Healthline's picks for the best mouthwashes for better dental care
- Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. ...
- Crest Pro-Health Advanced with Extra Whitening. ...
- ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride. ...
- ACT Dry Mouth. ...
- Colgate Total Pro-Shield. ...
- Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic. ...
- TheraBreath Fresh Breath. ...
- CloSYS Ultra Sensitive.
Does LISTERINE stain teeth?
If you use mouthwash, chances are you're wanting to improve the freshness of your breath and health of your teeth. Sadly, some mouthwashes may actually contribute to tooth staining and detract from the overall appearance of your smile.