A TikTok video by Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri, a dentist based in England, went viral after she shared instances in which it is advisable to skip brushing your teeth for a while. One such circumstance is after vomiting, as the stomach contents are acidic and can cause damage to the teeth if brushed right away. Similarly, after eating breakfast or sweets, the bacteria on the teeth metabolize sugar into acid, which can also harm the teeth if brushed immediately. The acidity in the mouth will naturally neutralize over time, typically taking 30 to 60 minutes for the saliva to buffer against the acid.
While it may be tempting to reach for a toothbrush immediately to get rid of the taste after vomiting or eating, it is important to wait for the mouth to neutralize the high pH levels to prevent damage to the teeth. Dr. Manouchehri recommended waiting 30 to 60 minutes before brushing your teeth after these instances. By delaying brushing, the mouth has time to neutralize the acid and protect the teeth from harm. She also suggested drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum to help speed up the process of neutralization by increasing saliva production.
Avoiding brushing immediately after eating, drinking, or vomiting is an important practice according to Dr. Raben, a dentist from Wichita, Kansas. Brushing should be delayed until the pH levels in the mouth return to normal to prevent damage to the teeth. Research has shown that brushing in an acidic environment can erode the enamel, leading to weakened tooth structure over time. While occasional brushing in an acidic environment may be tolerated, habitual brushing in such conditions can cause long-term harm to the teeth.
The Mayo Clinic recommends waiting at least an hour to brush your teeth after consuming acidic foods or drinks to protect the enamel. Examples of acidic foods and drinks include soft drinks, sour candies, citrus fruits, and juices. During this time, saliva helps wash away the acid, allowing the enamel to harden again. The clinic also advises replacing toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months, avoiding tobacco products, and regularly seeing a dentist for cleanings and checkups to maintain good dental health.
In addition to waiting to brush your teeth after acidic exposure, there are other ways to protect your teeth and speed up the neutralizing process. Using alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse the mouth and chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production can help remove acidic content and aid in neutralizing the acid. These practices can prevent erosion of the enamel and maintain strong and healthy teeth in the long run.
Overall, understanding the effects of acidity on the teeth and avoiding immediate brushing after consuming acidic foods or vomiting is essential for maintaining good dental health. By waiting for the mouth to neutralize the acid and following proper dental care practices, individuals can protect their enamel, prevent erosion, and promote strong and healthy teeth for the future. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also important for monitoring oral health and addressing any issues early on.
