To those of you that are always on top of your oral health routine we applaud you. Our office would like to make some suggestions for your after-meal routine.
Brushing and flossing after a meal can definitely be good for your mouth. It's picking the right time to brush to be most effective that some need a little help with.
Your Teeth and Acid
During the course of eating and drinking, your teeth become coated with food particles and acid from the meal. It is important to remove the food particles, but the acid on your teeth makes that a problem. Following your meal, the acid softens the tooth's enamel for about 30 minutes.
If you immediately start brushing, you run the risk of brushing the tooth's protective layer right off of the tooth. By waiting about a half an hour to start brushing your teeth, you allow time for the enamel to harden back up.
Cavity Fighting Tips While You Wait
Now that you understand the purpose of giving your teeth some time before you give them a good brushing, there are some other things to do to reduce the bacteria's effects in your mouth. Immediately following a meal, rinse your mouth with tap water. Tap water contains fluoride that fights decay.
Follow it up by drinking a glass. This removes acid and bacteria lingering around. By chewing a piece of sugar-free gum, it is also effective at removing food particles and bacteria by causing your mouth to salivate.
By practicing these small tips you can ensure that the enamel on your teeth stays protected. The American Dental Association recommends that you only brush twice per day, for two minutes. Brushing too often can cause dental abrasion.
The removal of protective enamel. If you are going to brush following a meal, use a soft-bristled brush and light pressure. Our office is here to assist in all your oral care needs. For further questions or information, contact us today.