While brushing your teeth daily is essential for good oral hygiene, did you know there are some exceptions?
According to American dentist Dr. Margaret Feldborg, who now lives in Oslo, Norway, there are two times when you should never brush your teeth.
Dr. Feldborg, owner of a dental practice American smilerecently shared this crucial information on TikTok.
She shockingly revealed that you should not brush your teeth after eating and after vomiting.
“After we eat, our mouth becomes very acidic,” she explained of the first incident.
According to American dentist Dr. Margaret Feldborg, who lives in Oslo, Norway, there are actually two times when you should never brush your teeth
“When we brush our teeth right after eating, we’re brushing all that acid right into our teeth, which leads to demineralization and acid erosion,” Dr. Feldborg says.
Acid erosion occurs when acid from the food you eat or drink attacks the enamel of your teeth, which is the protective layer on your teeth, according to the Oral Health Foundation.
When the enamel on your teeth wears away, your teeth may become painful or sensitive.
According to Columbia University Irving Medical CenterYou should wait about 30 minutes after eating a meal before brushing your teeth.
Dr. Feldborg then explained why you should definitely not reach for your toothbrush after vomiting.
“I know the first thing you want to do after you throw up is get the taste out of your mouth and grab a toothbrush, but that’s the last thing you want to do,” she admitted.
“You can’t brush your teeth right after you throw up, your mouth is so acidic from all the stomach acid that’s just come up,” the dentist continued.
“It’s so harmful to put it on your teeth for the same reason we don’t want to brush after eating.”
Acid erosion occurs when acid from the food you eat or drink erodes the enamel of your teeth, which is the protective layer on your teeth, according to the Oral Health Foundation
In the comments section of Dr. Feldborg’s video, others even gave their own dental tips to prevent enamel problems
And it’s true – according to Trident DentistryYou must wait at least 30 minutes after vomiting before brushing your teeth.
In the comments section of Dr. Feldborg’s video, others even gave their own dental tips to prevent enamel problems.
“After vomiting, I always rinse my mouth with water and wait a while before brushing my teeth,” wrote one person, agreeing with Dr. Feldborg.
“You can brush it with baking soda to neutralize the acid,” someone else suggested.
One user said, “I rinse my teeth with baking soda before and after brushing to reduce acid and increase mineral absorption.”