We all know we should be brushing our teeth after each meal, but is brushing after each meal really that important, and should you be instilling this routine with your child? Or will a simple morning and nighttime teeth brushing session make do? Learn more about why you and your family should not be brushing your teeth immediately after eating.
Why Brushing Your Teeth After a Meal Does More Harm Than Good
We all know that we should be brushing our teeth at least twice per day and for at least two minutes during each session. But while brushing your teeth twice daily is important, brushing immediately after eating can do more damage than good to your pearly whites.
Research has shown that brushing immediately after eating or drinking (especially in relation to acidic foods and drinks) can contribute to enamel erosion. Acid is your teeth’s worst enemy and can cause the enamel to break down, leaving your teeth susceptible to decay and damage. So when you brush your teeth immediately after consuming something acidic, you’re essentially pushing the acidity deeper into your enamel and dentin, which aids decay.
When Is the Best Time to Brush Your Teeth?
One study found that when a subject brushed their teeth 20 minutes after drinking a soda, there was a significant increase in dentin loss. On the other hand, when subjects waited 30 minutes to one hour after drinking a soda before brushing their teeth, there was considerably less dentin loss. Ultimately, many tests have shown that when individuals waited at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing their teeth, they experienced less damage to their teeth.
Regular Brushing Is Still Important
Just because brushing your teeth immediately after a meal can erode enamel doesn’t mean you and your family should skimp on oral hygiene at other times during the day. After all, effectively brushing your teeth at least twice daily can eliminate bad breath, reduce bacteria, remove old food and reduce your chance of cavities and gingivitis.
Keep Your Family’s Teeth Healthy with the Help of AC Pediatric Dentistry
Taking a child to the dentist can be a tiring, embarrassing, and frustrating experience. At AC Pediatric Dentistry, we understand this, and that’s why we want to make the experience pleasant and fun for children. Call us today or request an appointment online.