CONSULATE
Consulate Dental Plans, When Do You Brush Your Teeth.
Question: I heard that it is bad to brush your teeth right after you eat is that true?
Answer: According to Dr Peter Alldritt, chairman of the Australian Dental Association’s oral health committee, sometimes brushing too soon can damage your teeth. Fruits, particularly orange or lemon juice, vinegar, sport drinks and soft drinks, have a very high level of acidity in them and they soften your tooth enamel.
If you eat or drink these types of foods and then go and brush your teeth straight away you are going to damage the softened tooth enamel. Therefore it is better to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. By waiting it gives your mouth time to produce enough saliva to neutralize the acidity, according to Dr Alldritt. Saliva helps your teeth to harden and absorb more calcium, which then acts like a coat of armor. Saliva also contains enzymes and buffers which neutralize acid and return the pH of your mouth to neutral over time.