Here is some surprising yet worthwhile advice you might be hearing for the first time: Brushing after a meal can be incredibly bad for your teeth if you do it after eating certain foods. A toothbrush can be considered an assault weapon against your smile if used immediately after eating.
Why You Shouldn’t Brush After EVERY Meal
Brushing Damages Your Enamel
Enamel is like the tooth’s shield. It is an extremely hard mineral on the exterior of each of your teeth. It’s actually the hardest substance in the human body: It’s even stronger than your bones! Its only weakness is that acids in the food we eat can easily destroy enamel. When you brush your teeth in this weakened state you are actually damaging your enamel. The abrasive bristles of the brush wear away the protective surface of the teeth.
Eating Acidic Foods Disrupt Your Mouth’s pH Balance
Healthy teeth thrive in an environment that has the proper pH balance. When that balance tips from alkaline to acidic, a harmful process called demineralization begins. Demineralization occurs when acids attack and soften the tooth surface. Pores and fissures form and harmful bacteria move in.
Our mouth’s pH level fluctuates depending on what we eat throughout the day. Examples of the most common highly acidic foods include citrus fruits, soda, and sugary foods. Highly acidic foods tip the balance of pH in your mouth from a healthy alkaline to a dangerous acid.
Can Brushing Your Teeth Immediately After a Meal Damage Your Teeth?
The answer is yes!
Eating highly acidic foods causes your teeth to be more susceptible. If you brush your teeth when they have been weakened by acids, even more destruction can happen to your enamel. Your toothbrush’s bristles will actually wear away some of your enamel. So it’s healthier to wait at least an hour after eating or snacking to brush.
Tips for Protecting Your Teeth After Eating
Instead of brushing your teeth, the following measures can be taken to protect your teeth:
- Rinsing or drinking water
- Chewing sugarless gums that list xylitol as the first ingredient
- Consuming dairy or non-acidic foods to conclude your meal
These practices help produce saliva, which in turn restores a healthy pH level in your mouth and coats the teeth with minerals they need.
When Can You Brush Your Teeth After Eating?
Once you’ve allowed time for your mouth to be restored to a healthy pH level, you may brush your teeth as you normally would. It is recommended that you wait at least one hour after you eat before brushing your teeth. Keep in mind that acidic foods can weaken the enamel on your teeth and take the right measures to prevent spiking pH levels.
Protect Your Teeth with Wonder West Orthodontics
Still have questions? Call our London, ON office and schedule an appointment with one of our orthodontists.