Maintaining oral hygiene is essential for dental health, but there are specific times when brushing your teeth might actually do more harm than good. According to Dr. Shadi Manouchehri, a London-based dentist, there are three particular scenarios where you should avoid brushing your teeth immediately: after drinking coffee, eating a meal, and after vomiting. Here’s why it’s crucial to follow this advice and what you should do instead.
1. Right After Drinking Coffee
Coffee is acidic, and when you add milk and sugar, it becomes even more acidic. Dr. Manouchehri explains that brushing your teeth right after drinking coffee can be detrimental to your enamel. The acidic nature of coffee can erode the thin protective layer on your teeth, and brushing immediately can further wear down your enamel. He recommends waiting 20-30 minutes before brushing or using a mouthwash instead. The tannins in coffee can also bind with proteins in your mouth and enter tiny pores in your teeth, leading to discoloration. To mitigate this, try to drink coffee within 30 minutes and rinse your mouth with water immediately afterward.
2. Right After Eating
Just like with coffee, brushing your teeth immediately after a meal can damage your enamel. Dr. Manouchehri points out that food can soften your enamel, making it more vulnerable to abrasion from brushing. It’s particularly beneficial to brush before breakfast rather than after. Plaque, which causes cavities, is typically more prevalent after a night's sleep. Brushing in the morning helps remove this plaque and stimulates saliva production, which has antibacterial properties. Dr. Manouchehri advises brushing before breakfast to maintain dental health.
3. Right After Vomiting
Vomiting introduces stomach acid into your mouth, which can erode your enamel and impair your gums’ healing ability. Dr. Manouchehri advises waiting 30 minutes to an hour after vomiting before brushing your teeth. Immediately brushing can spread the acid around your teeth, exacerbating enamel erosion. Instead, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after vomiting. If you want to freshen your breath, use a mouthwash to neutralize the acids and avoid further damage to your teeth.
Understanding the right times to brush your teeth can significantly impact your dental health. By following Dr. Manouchehri’s advice, you can avoid unnecessary damage to your enamel and maintain a healthy mouth. Remember to wait for the appropriate time before brushing after drinking coffee, eating, or vomiting. These practices will help you preserve your dental health and keep your smile bright.
3 Line Summary for You
Dr. Shadi Manouchehri advises avoiding brushing your teeth immediately after drinking coffee, eating, or vomiting to prevent enamel damage. Instead, wait for 20-30 minutes or use mouthwash to maintain oral health. This approach helps protect your teeth from acid erosion and wear.
구독!! 공감과 댓글은 저에게 큰 힘이 됩니다.
Starting Google Play App Distribution! "Tester Share" for Recruiting 20 Testers for a Closed Test.