The importance of oral hygiene cannot be overstated. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But should you brush your teeth after every meal? There are differing opinions on the matter, and it can be unclear to know what to do. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of brushing your teeth after every meal from a dentist downtown in Calgary here.
Weighing the Pros & Cons with a Dentist Downtown in Calgary
Benefits of Brushing After Every Meal
One of the main benefits of brushing your teeth after every meal is that it can help prevent cavities and gum disease. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in your food and produce acid. This acid can erode your tooth enamel, leading to possibly needing to see a dentist downtown in Calgary to address your cavities. Brushing your teeth after every meal helps remove the food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities. Furthermore, doing so can also help freshen your breath since food particles can get stuck in your teeth and produce an unpleasant odour.
Drawbacks of Brushing After Every Meal
While there are benefits to brushing your teeth after every meal, there are also some drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks is that brushing too often can harm your teeth. Brushing too hard or too often can wear down your tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and even gum recession. Another drawback of brushing after every meal is that it can be inconvenient. Brushing your teeth after every meal may be challenging if you’re at work or out with friends. Additionally, brushing too soon after eating acidic foods or drinks, like citrus fruits or soda, can damage tooth enamel.
What Are the Facts?
According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), brushing your teeth after every meal is unnecessary. While brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash are recommended for maintaining good oral health, brushing after every meal can do more harm than good. After eating, the pH level in our mouths drops, making them more acidic. Brushing immediately after can cause damage to the enamel on our teeth, as it is softer and more susceptible to erosion at a lower pH level. It can also lead to tooth sensitivity and decay over time. While it’s good to keep on top of brushing and flossing, it’s best to stay moderate and keep up with other dental care, like getting regular teeth cleaning in Calgary.
What to Do Instead
Instead of brushing immediately after a meal, the CDA recommends waiting at least 30 minutes to an hour before brushing. During this time, the saliva in our mouths will naturally neutralize the acidity levels, allowing our teeth to be brushed safely without causing harm. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the types of foods and drinks we consume, as some can be more harmful to our teeth than others. Sugary and acidic foods and beverages, such as soda, candy, and citrus fruits, can increase the acidity levels in our mouths and contribute to tooth decay. The CDA recommends drinking water between meals to help rinse away food particles and neutralize acidity levels. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate the production of saliva, which helps to neutralize acidity and promote healthy teeth and gums. And, of course, to ensure you regularly get teeth cleaning in Calgary.
Dr. Tracey Mulhall is a dentist in downtown Calgary that can offer dental fillings, crowns, implants, and teeth cleaning. We are always available to help with your dental concerns. Our downtown dental clinic has convenient hours and knowledgeable staff. We want to make your experience at the dentist fast, fun, and friendly. Call us today to book an appointment!
Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]
