We all want healthy, beautiful smiles and it’s no secret that regular brushing is an important step in achieving and maintaining good oral health. But did you know that when you brush your teeth, is as just as important as how often you do so? Read on to find out whether or not it’s a good idea to brush your teeth after eating, and what you can do to prevent issues like tooth decay…
Every time that you eat, plaque develops on your teeth. Also known as biofilm, plaque is a sticky, colourless substance that contains bacteria. When you eat or drink something that contains sugar, the bacteria in plaque produces harmful acids. These acids attack the enamel of your teeth, which is why it is so important that plaque is removed from the teeth on a regular basis. If plaque is left to accumulate on the teeth, harmful acids will erode the enamel, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Also, plaque can harden into tartar over time and cause inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, inflammation of the gums can lead to gum disease.
Although it is important that you brush your teeth in order to remove the plaque that accumulates every time that you eat, brushing immediately after a meal or snack can sometimes cause damage to the enamel of your teeth. If you have consumed a food or drink that is acidic, such as citrus fruits or juices, brushing too soon can actually be detrimental. This is because acidic foods and drinks tend to weaken the enamel, and if you brush too quickly after eating, you could remove some of the enamel from your teeth.
It is best to brush your teeth between 30 and 60 minutes after eating. During this time, your mouth will have produced enough saliva to wash away some leftover food particles, and the pH level of your mouth will have returned to normal. Try rinsing your mouth with water after eating, or chew on some sugar-free gum while you wait to brush your teeth.
We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed at night. It is particularly important that you brush your teeth some time before you go to bed in the evening — skipping a brush after dinner will increase the risk of plaque build-up, which can lead to damage to the enamel, as well as the formation of tartar on the teeth and gums. It is also a good idea to floss your teeth before bed — this will help to get rid of food particles and bacteria from between your teeth and along your gum line.
At The Smile Speciality Dental Group, we encourage our patients to be diligent when it comes oral hygiene. Many issues can be prevented with the right brushing and flossing techniques, as well as with regular dental check-ups and cleans. We understand, however, that you might have questions regarding your oral hygiene, which is why we are available to address any concerns that you have, give you any advice that you need, and provide you with a range of general and preventative dental services.
Some of the general dental services that we offer include check-ups, cleans, children’s dentistry and custom mouthguards. We also offer a range of cosmetic and restorative treatments, as well as dental prosthetics. If you would like to find out more about the range of treatments that we offer, please have a look here.
To arrange a consultation or to find out more about our services, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on 07 3889 3324.
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