Did you know that you should wait at least an hour after eating before brushing? In fact, brushing immediately after a meal may actually damage your teeth.
Why Shouldn’t I Brush Right After Eating?
Your tooth enamel works to protect your teeth, but acids created by food can wear away your enamel. During meals, acid levels are elevated and your teeth are at their weakest state.
Your body uses saliva as a natural way to correct the high acid levels in your mouth after you’re done eating. Saliva washes away food particles to prevent acid buildup that can lead to cavities. Brushing too soon after meals can actually push harmful acid deeper into your enamel and dentin.
Brushing right after meals can harm your teeth because your enamel is more vulnerable immediately after you eat – weakened by high acid levels. It’s more effective and healthy to let saliva restore your mouth’s Ph level before you begin brushing. You can clean food debris from your mouth by rinsing with water or chewing xylitol sweetened gum after you eat, which will help to increase the amount of saliva in your mouth even more.
It’s best to wait at least an hour after you eat before you brush, which gives your enamel a chance to recover. Don’t forget to brush at least twice per day for two minutes at a time.
Is Your Child Experiencing Pain While Brushing?
Does your child have sensitive teeth while they’re brushing? If so, you should find a pediatric dentist near you and establish a dental home. A pediatric dentist will evaluate your child’s mouth and help you establish a treatment plan that works best for their smile. Use our pediatric dentist locator to find a pediatric dentist near you, and put them on the path to healthier teeth today!