Should You Really Brush Your Teeth Right After Meals?
It’s not always advisable to brush our teeth right after every meal.
We grew up to the belief that brushing is essential for clean and healthy teeth. Brushing at least two times a day is a must to avoid plaque from accumulating on our gums and to remove food debris on our teeth—both of which can cause tooth decay. But should you really brush your teeth right after every meal?
If you had fruits, soda, wine or any food that contain acid, you need to wait about an hour before you should brush your teeth. The acids in many foods soften the tooth enamel, making them vulnerable to damage from brushing. Rinsing your mouth with water won’t speed up the process. An hour after meal is enough time for the acids to clear away and the enamel to re-harden.
In addition, brushing your teeth excessively and brushing too long can also lead to gum disease and tooth decay as the enamel is brushed off. When the tooth enamel has worn away, there is no way to reverse the process.
According to Peter Heasman, a professor of periodontology at Newcastle University’s School of Dental Sciences, two minutes twice a day brushing with a pressure of 150 grams – equivalent to holding an orange – is correct practice.
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J.B. Blend | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Not really– I brush mine twice…in the morning and before going to bed!
However, I chew gum the whole day! to make my breath fresh!
Westbrook | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Probably the worst culprit that causes decay is sugar. Just about everything we put into our mouths contain sugar. Sipping sweetened coffee or soda all day is very harmful. If you can not brush after drinking or eating, at least gargle/rince the mouth with warm water. This is a good practice to get into when eating in restaurants. It is not as good as brushing but it will help to wash away the sugar in your mouth.
Jal | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Thank you. This was informative
CutestPrincess | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
great articles… very informative!
Michael Eboh | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Great article. Thank you!
Will Gray | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Excellent, informative article! Thanks!
Anne McNew | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
This is a great article. Thanks for the information.
Eunice Tan | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Useful information. Teeth is important for our health.
S A JOHNSON | Jan 20, 2009 | Reply
Great information.
Lisa Clayton Williams | Jan 20, 2009 | Reply
Useful information! Thanks for the article!!
denus | Jan 21, 2009 | Reply
interesting article!
Cheers,
Denus
Oh btw i added you!
eddiego65 | Jan 24, 2009 | Reply
Beneficial information. Thanks.
Neverty Agisti | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
Subhaanallaah Nice picture! Now, I know why I don’t want to use artificial teeth!
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maranatha | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the write, JK. I always figured, “everything in moderation”, including what all the health hype says. Glad to know there’s at least one dentist who agrees!
Joshua Miguel | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
this is a very useful information. I will use your tips every time i brush my teeth.
AmskyDC | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Now I have to change my daily routine of brushing my teeth right after my lunch. I brushes my teeth Thrice a day. In the morning, after lunch and before going to bed.
c.s. robins | Feb 26, 2009 | Reply
That’s new information to me! I like it a lot! It makes a lot of sense and great job of including sources too!