Brushing your teeth after you eat is a good idea, but give it at least half an hour in between.
You’ve always heard that you should wait at least an hour after eating before jumping into the swimming pool. Likewise, you’ve probably always been told that right after you eat, you need to go and brush your teeth. Usually, the expected times to look after your dental health are first thing in the morning, and at bedtime, but what about brushing your teeth after every meal?
Why You Should Wait
Eating three balanced meals every day is the healthiest way to make sure your blood sugar is maintained and that you aren’t tempted to eat too much at one time. However, you should still be aware of what you eat. Brushing your teeth after you eat is a good idea, but give it at least half an hour in between. That way, you won’t damage the enamel of your teeth. After all, your teeth will be vulnerable due to the acid in what you eat and drink. Citrus-based fruits may be delicious and good for you, but too much of a good thing can be bad for you.
Rinse with Water
Sometimes, instead of brushing, all you’ve got to do is rinse with some water. Let’s say you just had a clementine for a snack or a cup of orange juice with your breakfast and your teeth are experiencing a peculiar tingle. You want that feeling to go away as soon as possible. So what you can do is rinse with some water, just as you would while you’re at the dentist. However, if you know ahead of time you won’t be able to brush your teeth until much later, brush your teeth before eating or drinking anything acidic – watch out for the unpleasant mixture of toothpaste and OJ!
Change Your Habits
Waiting to brush after eating also gives your saliva some time to work its magic. Since your saliva is slightly basic, it can mitigate the effects of the acid on your teeth. Also, try to cut acids and sugars out of your diet, because these substances can continue to damage your teeth.
KEEP YOUR TEETH HEALTHY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube! We are always looking to accept new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, or Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!