Spit Don't Rinse — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Spit out excess toothpaste and avoid rinsing afterwards
Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · E = shown as B · D = shown as C · A = shown as D · C = shown as E
A is correct. After brushing with fluoride toothpaste, the patient should spit out excess toothpaste but not rinse with water or use mouthwash immediately. This retains fluoride in the mouth and on the teeth, rather than diluting or washing it away. C and D are incorrect because water rinsing removes residual fluoride. E is also incorrect: if a fluoride mouthrinse is indicated, UK guidance advises using it at a different time from toothbrushing. B is not part of the technique; toothpaste should be spat out, particularly because unnecessary ingestion of fluoride toothpaste should be avoided. The question tests routine preventive advice, not a special high-risk regimen.
Reference: Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Delivering Better Oral Health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention, Chapter 9: fluoride, 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-better-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-prevention/chapter-9-fluoride