I’m a dental expert – these are the exact times you should be brushing your teeth
I’m a dental expert – these are the exact times you should brush your teeth to avoid damaging the enamel
Many of us were raised to warn that sugar will destroy your teeth, so you might be tempted to go to the bathroom after enjoying a sweet treat.
Dr Richard Marques, a dental expert at London’s Harley Street Clinic, has shared tips with Femail to ensure you maintain healthy, clean teeth after indulging in your favorite snacks.
Dr. Marques recommends that you avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming sugary snacks, and this is true regardless of whether you have natural teeth, veneers or gold teeth.
This is to ensure that the saliva in your mouth has enough time to break down acids so they are less potent and damage your teeth when brushing.
But when is the right time to brush your teeth after consuming a chocolate bar or two? And when is the best time to build oral hygiene into your morning routine?
Dr Richard Marques, a dental expert at London’s Harley Street Clinic, has shared tips on the best time to brush your teeth after eating chocolate
AFTER SNACKING
Dr. Marques said the best practice is to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating sugary snacks, especially those high in acidity.
“This is because your mouth is the perfect breeding ground for the transfer of sugar to the teeth and gums,” he said.
“Harmful bacteria then feed on the sugar and then attack the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and tooth sensitivity.”
Dr. Marques explained that healthy enamel – a thin outer layer of the tooth – is crucial to good dental health because it protects our teeth from damage. He warned that we should take good care of this protective barrier as it cannot be replaced.
He said: “The irreplaceable enamel on our teeth that protects against damage is temporarily weakened after consuming acidic or sugary drinks or snacks.”
“The body can’t make more enamel because it doesn’t contain living cells. This means that if it is destroyed, it will be destroyed forever.”
AFTER BREAKFAST
For those on the go, the luxury of 30 minutes of post-dinner downtime is certainly unthinkable. So in this circumstance, Dr. Marques recommends that you brush your teeth shortly before drinking a cup of coffee.
He added, “If it’s breakfast time and you’d like to leave the house shortly after eating sugary foods and drinks, it’s best to brush your teeth before eating.”
“Depending on your toothpaste of choice, this may provide some protection for the teeth when they come in contact with breakfast treats.”
Dr. However, Marque suggests using tempting foods sparingly, as overconsumption can have a detrimental effect on your overall oral health — and this includes sugar-free foods.
He said, “To prevent tooth loss and gum disease, it’s best to indulge in sugary snacks from time to time.”
‘Also pay attention to sugar-free products, they can sometimes contain ingredients that are just as harmful to your teeth as sugar.’