Why 'Brush, spit, and don’t rinse' is best for kids teeth
When it comes to taking care of our teeth, most of us know the basics: brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing nightly, drinking water, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and visiting the dentist twice a year.
But one simple step often surprises—and divides—people: spitting out but not rinsing after brushing.
Yep, you read that right. The Australian Dental Association (ADA), along with dental associations worldwide, recommends that kids (and grown-ups) spit after brushing but don’t rinse with water.
Why you shouldn’t rinse
We want the fluoride from toothpaste to stay on our teeth for as long as possible after brushing. This gives it time to strengthen and protect our enamel beyond the two minutes of brushing.
While brushing removes plaque with a circular scrubbing action, fluoride works its magic by remineralising enamel, helping repair damage caused by bacteria and sugar.
If you rinse, you wash away that fluoride before it can do its best work.
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Night-time brushing is key
Spitting and not rinsing is especially important before bed. At night, our mouths naturally become drier as saliva production slows. Saliva is a natural protector, so when it’s reduced, bacteria can thrive. Leaving a layer of fluoride on your teeth overnight helps protect them when they’re most vulnerable.
In the morning, try waiting 30 minutes after brushing before eating or drinking. The longer fluoride stays on your teeth undisturbed, the better it can work.
Here’s what my night-time routine looks like:
- Clean between my teeth with dental floss and my Ordo Sonic+ Water Flosser.
- Brush for two minutes using my Ordo Sonic Lite toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Spit, smile, and sleep!
(If you use mouthwash, it fits perfectly between steps one and two.)
If rinsing is a non-negotiable for you, here’s a tip: after rinsing, place a tiny dab of toothpaste on your tongue, spread it over your teeth, and leave it there.
Helping little ones learn to spit
Learning to spit can be tricky for little ones. Encourage them to practise by leaning over the sink and saying “too” – this mimics the spitting action. For under-threes, you only need to use a grain-of-rice-sized amount of toothpaste, so there won’t be much to spit out anyway. It’s never too early to start building good habits!
Tips for caring for tiny teeth
Make it fun: Give kids choices! Let them pick their toothbrush and toothpaste. The new Ordo x Squishmallows collection makes brushing time exciting and gives them a sense of control.
Sing along: Brush to a fun tune like my “Two-Minute Toothbrushing Song” or a toothbrushing version of “Wheels on the Bus” (available wherever you listen to music).
Switch it up: Try brushing your child’s teeth while they’re lying down. This helps keep them still and their tongue out of the way.
Take turns: Brush your child’s teeth, then let them brush yours. Or try brushing at the same time – the giggles alone will help keep mouths open wide!
Mix it with fun activities: Brush teeth while your child is in the bath or reading their favourite book.
Celebrate the wins: Consistency is key. Celebrate the days when it goes well and don’t stress about the tougher days.
Making oral care easier for families
As a dentist, I’m passionate about helping families build healthy habits for lifelong smiles. That’s why I’ve partnered with Ordo to make high-quality oral care accessible for everyone.
Ordo’s innovative tools, like the Sonic Toothbrush, deliver up to 40,000 strokes per minute for a deeper clean, while their water flossers and kid-friendly designs make brushing routines easier and more effective.
Together, we’re empowering families to care for their smiles with confidence. Learn more at www.au.ordolife.com.
Written by Dr Bethany, Dentist and Ordo Spokesperson
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