Pace Tooth Brushing After Eating To Protect Enamel

You’ve probably heard the advice hundreds of times: “Brush your teeth after every meal.” While I agree with that wisdom to protect your oral health, I’d like to share a caution for those who rise from the table and go directly to the sink.

Foods and beverages create an acid attack in the mouth. While this acid helps to break food down so the digestive system can begin processing it more efficiently, it can also cause damage to teeth by eroding enamel.

Some foods and beverages even amplify the effects of this acid. Citrus, for example, when part of this acid attack, causes a more severe attack on teeth. Just as worse are colas, anything with sugar, pickled and vinegar-based foods, tomato-based foods, are only a few items that can accentuate the damage to tooth enamel.

By all means, BRUSH after each meal, but wait about 30 minutes. This allows time for oral saliva to ‘rinse’ the mouth as the acid attack subsides. If you’re at work and find it difficult to delay brushing after a meal, consider swishing with water followed by chewing sugarless gum.

It’s our goal to help you prevent problems from occurring in the first place and avoid the time and expense for repairs. Enjoy healthy meals and brush and floss – just pace things to an optimal advantage for your smile!