Should You Brush Right After Eating?

Have you ever been told you should brush your teeth right after eating? While this may sound like the right habit to adapt, this practice could be detrimental to the health of your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating may be a better option to keep enamel strong.

Enamel is the guardian of your teeth and the hardest material in the body. It’s the first defense against harmful bacteria which may lead to tooth decay. When you eat certain foods, it creates bacteria which attack your tooth enamel. Carbohydrates and sugary foods are examples of these foods. Brushing directly after eating can be harmful to your enamel.

Why this is a problem

When eating or drinking, the pH balance in your mouth changes. After each bite of acidic food, the pH balance moves towards a level which causes demineralization. The new acidity softens the enamel which can cause bacteria to get into the teeth. Brushing right after you eat may damage your enamel. This is important because enamel protects your teeth from damage.

Steps you can take to protect your enamel:

• If you’ve had anything acidic, our dental experts say to not brush for at least 30 minutes.
• Fruits with citric acid are one example. If you are planning ingesting acidic foods or drinks, you can brush beforehand.
• A glass of water will help remove the acid. Follow this by chewing sugarless gum. These steps help create saliva which will help bring back the necessary pH balance needed for a healthy smile.
• Try to avoid soda as prolonged phosphoric acid can cause permanent damage.
• Brushing your teeth twice a day is an important habit for optimal oral health.

Visit our office for an exam and we can give you tips for healthy, strong teeth!