Citrus Before Brushing A Bad Idea

Eating a healthy orange for dessert or enjoying a glass of tea with lemon? Great! Just remember to wait at least an hour before you brush your teeth.

The acid in citrus, as well as some sport drinks and most sodas, can erode tooth enamel. Brushing teeth too soon after consuming these acidic items can damage precious enamel with gritty toothpaste that is typically safe to use on teeth.

Waiting an hour allows the saliva in your mouth to neutralize the acid, which helps restore the enamel. Rather than brush immediately, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugarless gum. And share a smile with your healthy teeth!