To remove the remaining toothpaste in your mouth after brushing... you should rinse with water at least ○ times.

Even if you brush your teeth diligently, not rinsing your mouth properly can be bad for your dental health. This is because the detergent in the toothpaste may remain in your mouth. The surfactants, which are basic ingredients in toothpaste, help remove foreign substances from the teeth. Common surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and sodium laureth sulfate. Prolonged exposure to the most commonly used sodium lauryl sulfate can cause symptoms such as loss of appetite. If the surfactant remains in the mouth for a long time because you do not rinse multiple times, it can lead to tooth staining or dry mouth.

Surfactants can be rinsed away with just 1 to 2 rinses. However, to thoroughly remove all surfactants and other additives, it is best to rinse at least 5 to 6 times. Additionally, warm water should be used instead of cold water. Rinsing with warm water at about 45 to 50 degrees Celsius helps dissolve the cleansing agents in toothpaste and effectively removes plaque. Since matching water temperature each time you brush can be difficult, using water at a temperature close to body temperature or slightly higher is sufficient. Be cautious, as excessively hot water can irritate the gums.

Avoid the habit of brushing teeth vigorously with a stiff toothbrush. This can cause wear between the teeth and gums. The surface of the teeth is made of hard enamel, with soft dentin and internal nerve tissue inside. Enamel protects the dentin and nerve tissue from external stimuli. However, continuous exposure to vigorous brushing can wear down the enamel, exposing the dentin and allowing external stimuli to easily reach the nerve tissue. This often causes teeth to feel sensitive. To prevent these problems, it is recommended to use a soft toothbrush or a toothbrush with fine, pointed bristles.