Page "Mouthwash" Paragraph 8

Common use involves rinsing the mouth with about 20ml ( 2 / 3 fl oz ) of mouthwash two times a day after brushing.

The wash is typically swished or gargled for about half a minute and then spat out.

In some brands, the expectorate is stained, so that one can see the bacteria and debris.

Some may suggest that it is probably advisable to use mouthwash at least an hour after brushing with toothpaste when the toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate, since the anionic compounds in the SLS toothpaste can deactivate cationic agents present in the mouthrinse.

However, many would disagree with this hypothesis ; in fact, many of the popular mouthwashes contain sodium lauryl sulfate as an ingredient ( e. g., Listerine Total Care ).