Do You Need to Wait a Certain Time After Brushing Your Teeth to Eat?
Posted on 2/8/2021 by Dick Hikade, DDS
Brushing your teeth is an easy way of keeping your teeth free from plaque build-up and is a vital part of preventing the development of cavities. It also is what keeps your breath free of odor from foods you may eat. While most patients understand the importance of brushing regularly, many wonder if they should wait to eat after brushing their teeth. The answer is yes, you should wait at least 30 minutes after brushing your teeth before eating.
This waiting period is important because brushing your teeth actually temporarily weakens your enamel. The process of brushing removes plaque that has accumulated on your teeth and your toothbrush has an abrasive affect on the surface of your teeth. The weakened enamel is more easily damaged during the first 30 minutes after a brushing session, which could be especially harmful if you are having something such as orange juice or other acidic items.
When Should I Brush?
You should always brush your teeth twice per day for two minutes each time. Brushing regularly ensures that plaque does not get to accumulate on your teeth for too long of a time and prevents more serious issues, like gum disease. As mentioned above, you should not eat for at least 30 minutes after brushing your teeth, but there is a way to avoid the issue altogether.
The best solution is to hold off on your morning brushing session until after breakfast. By doing so, you are not only protecting your enamel but are also getting rid of any plaque created by your first meal of the day. This means that your teeth stay clean until lunchtime and then they will be getting cleaned again a few short hours later when you brush after dinner. If you have questions about when and how to brush your teeth, contact our team today.
Dental Blog | Sunnyside Dentistry | Clackamas, OR dentist Dick Hikade, DDS at Sunnyside Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about dental concerns. Sunnyside Dentistry, 14210 SE Sunnyside Rd, Suite 200, Clackamas, OR 97015 \ (503) 451-5104 \ sunnysidedentistry.com \ 10/9/2024 \ Related Terms: dentist Clackamas OR \
Brushing your teeth is an easy way of keeping your teeth free from plaque build-up and is a vital part of preventing the development of cavities. It also is what keeps your breath free of odor from foods you may eat. While most patients understand the importance of brushing regularly, many wonder if they should wait to eat after brushing their teeth. The answer is yes, you should wait at least 30 minutes after brushing your teeth before eating.