Quick answer
You need toothpaste; mouthwash is optional. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste physically removes plaque and food debris, while mouthwash reaches areas your brush misses and can leave longer-lasting freshness. If you use both, brush first, spit (don't rinse), then use mouthwash afterward so you don't wash away the fluoride.
What each product actually does
Toothpaste is the workhorse. The mechanical action of brushing scrubs away plaque and food particles, and fluoride toothpastes like Tom's of Maine Whole Care Peppermint Anticavity Toothpaste help protect against cavities while supporting enamel repair and strengthening. Mouthwash is the finisher. It flows into crevices between teeth and along the gumline where bristles may not reach, and it can help freshen breath. But it doesn't remove plaque the way brushing does, so it can't replace toothpaste.
Whole Care Peppermint Anticavity Toothpaste
Why natural formulas change the calculus
Natural oral care products often skip artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, but that doesn't mean they're all fluoride-free. Some, like Tom's of Maine Wicked Fresh! Cool Peppermint Fluoride Natural Toothpaste, include fluoride to fight cavities, while others, like the Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Spearmint Natural Toothpaste, are made without it. If you choose a fluoride-free toothpaste, you may want to talk with your dentist about whether a fluoride mouthwash makes sense for your cavity risk. If you already use a fluoride toothpaste, adding a fluoride mouthwash is usually a personal preference, not a requirement.
Wicked Fresh! Cool Peppermint Fluoride Natural Toothpaste
The right order: brush, spit, then rinse with mouthwash
Most people brush, rinse with water, then use mouthwash. That order wastes the fluoride. The better sequence is: brush with a fluoride toothpaste, spit out the excess, and don't rinse with water. Then, if you use mouthwash, swish it for the time listed on the label and spit again. This keeps fluoride on your teeth longer. If you use a fluoride-free mouthwash, the order matters less, but brushing first still makes sense because you're physically removing the plaque that mouthwash can't.
When mouthwash earns its place
Mouthwash is a helpful add-on if you want extra freshening between brushes, if you wear braces or retainers and need to dislodge trapped food, or if your dentist recommends an anticavity mouthwash routine because of dry mouth or a high cavity risk. It's also a practical backup when you can't brush after lunch. But if your main goal is cleaning teeth and preventing cavities, a fluoride toothpaste like Whole Care Peppermint does more of the heavy lifting than any rinse.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Fluoride toothpaste + no mouthwash: Simplest routine with proven cavity protection. You may miss out on extra freshening and hard-to-reach coverage. Best if you brush thoroughly twice a day and don't have specific gum or breath concerns.
- Fluoride toothpaste + fluoride mouthwash: Adds cavity protection and freshness, but costs more and takes extra time. Don't rinse with water after brushing. Worth it if your dentist recommends extra fluoride or you want longer-lasting fresh breath.
- Fluoride-free toothpaste + natural mouthwash: Avoids fluoride and artificial ingredients, but you lose the cavity-fighting benefit of fluoride unless your mouthwash contains it. Talk to your dentist about your cavity risk before skipping fluoride entirely.
Products that fit this routine
- Whole Care Peppermint Anticavity Toothpaste (2-pack): Anticavity toothpaste for whole mouth care with a refreshing peppermint taste; multi-benefit formula for comprehensive oral hygiene; vegan and cruelty-free. A solid everyday fluoride toothpaste that handles cavity protection and enamel support, so you can keep mouthwash optional.
- Wicked Cool! Natural Toothpaste in Mild Mint: Mild mint flavor that is kid-friendly; helps repair and strengthen enamel; natural formula, vegan, and cruelty-free. A gentle option for children who may not be ready for mouthwash but still need fluoride protection.
- Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Spearmint Natural Toothpaste: Fluoride-free, SLS-free whitening toothpaste that gently whitens by removing surface stains with regular brushing and delivers a stronger mint flavor. If you prefer to avoid fluoride or SLS, this is a whitening option that still cleans, but you may need to discuss fluoride alternatives with your dentist.
Who should use which
Best for
- People who want a simple, effective routine: a fluoride toothpaste like Whole Care Peppermint, no mouthwash needed.
- Kids who need a gentle, kid-friendly toothpaste like Wicked Cool! Mild Mint, with mouthwash only if a dentist recommends it.
- Anyone who wants extra freshening or has been told by a dentist to use an anticavity mouthwash.
Not for
- People looking to replace brushing with mouthwash; it doesn't remove plaque.
- Those who prefer a fluoride-free toothpaste but still want cavity protection without discussing alternatives with a dentist.
