Do you like to brush your teeth immediately after eating? Read on for information on why it may not be the best idea.
We all understand the importance of brushing our teeth in promoting good oral health. By brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, you can fight the negative effects of bacteria, tartar, and plaque. Most people tend to brush their teeth after waking up in the morning and before bedtime, but some like to brush immediately after eating. Is it okay to brush your teeth after eating? For the most part, it’s fine, but there is also a reason why it may not be the best idea. Read on to learn more.
Getting Rid of Bacteria
Foods and drinks high in carbohydrates and sugars drive the creation of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria attack your tooth enamel for at least twenty minutes after you eat. By brushing your teeth right after eating, you’ll be ridding your mouth of this bacteria before it has the time to attack your tooth enamel. For best results, remember to use an ADA-certified fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush to ensure that your teeth are fully protected.
Acidic Items
What you might not realize, however, is that brushing your teeth after eating can sometimes affect your tooth enamel negatively. If you have consumed anything acidic, you should hold off on reaching for your toothbrush and toothpaste for at least 30 minutes after eating. This is because foods which contain citric acid, such as oranges and lemons, actually weaken tooth enamel immediately upon consumption, so brushing your teeth too soon after eating them can do some damage to the weakened enamel.
Brushing Before Eating
Because of this, experts recommend brushing your teeth before eating an acidic food instead of after, and they also recommend drinking a glass of water when you have finished. This will help wash away the acids and better protect your tooth enamel. Alternatively, you could eat some nutritious food low in carbohydrates and sugar after eating food high in acids to counteract the acidic content.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.