Some people are obsessed with brushing their teeth after every meal. They think that the more they brush, the better their oral health will be. While brushing is an important facet of good oral hygiene, it’s essential to understand proper brushing etiquette to keep a top-notch smile. In this blog post, we’re going to reveal how too much brushing can change a smile to a frown.
Acids Soften Enamel
If you’re immediately brushing your teeth after every single meal and snack, you could be leading your smile down a treacherous path. When you eat, food and bacteria leave behind acids that soften your enamel (the hard, protective surface of your teeth). Fortunately, your body comes to the rescue by producing saliva to help neutralize and wash away the acids that linger in your mouth. But how does this relate to brushing your teeth after eating?
Let Saliva Do Its Job
While saliva does neutralize the acid, it takes some time for the effects to set in. In the meantime, the acid is still clinging to your teeth, softening your enamel. If you brush while your enamel is in this compromised state, you can actually wear it away after enough brushing sessions. So let your saliva do its job! If you absolutely must brush after you eat, wait at least 30-60 minutes to give your enamel the time it needs to harden back up. Give your teeth some space and don’t brush immediately after eating. Instead, consider chewing sugar-free gum.
How to Achieve a Strong & Healthy Smile
Want to know the proper way to care your smile?
- Gently brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoride-based toothpaste.
- Floss at least once per day.
- Rinse with mouthwash. (Check out our blog post about mouthwash!)
- Limit your consumption of acidic foods and beverages (e.g. soda, coffee, alcohol, citrus, and candy).
- Drink plenty of fluoridated water.
- Visit Toothology Dental for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months.
Our Scottsdale dental team will help ensure that you and each member of your family have a happy, healthy smile now and for a lifetime! Contact us to schedule your next appointment today.
