If you listen to your dentist, you probably brush your teeth twice a day on most days, and try to floss daily. The purported ideals of the dental industry aren’t just random suggestions. In our modern day society, most Americans are very busy. You may eat or snack late at night in response to stress or schedule issues. Once you’ve consumed that fast food meal on your couch, you might feel so exhausted, brushing before bed is the last thing on your mind. Of course, you shouldn’t jump up immediately following your meal to scour your teeth for two minutes, either. Timing, when it comes to dental hygiene, can be everything.
Acid Erosion of Tooth Enamel
Your teeth are comprised of different layers. Dentin is the part of your pearly whites which lies underneath the protective layer of thin enamel that you can’t really see. A recent research study encouraged a group of volunteers to brush their teeth at different time intervals following drinking diet soda. Those participants who were instructed to wait 20 minutes to brush their teeth after consumption of a carbonated beverage presented with an increase in dentin loss. When participants brushed 30 to 60 minutes after drinking carbonated beverages, there was considerably less wear on tooth enamel.
Valuable Research
Other valuable research agrees that brushing immediately after meals or drinks that have acidic elements can be damaging to your teeth. The president of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Howard R. Gamble, points out that brushing teeth when acid is present can actually push the harsh substance deeper into your teeth. Sodas and citrus fruits are not the only culprit. People afflicted with acid reflux can be extra susceptible to enamel damage. Episodes of reflux might make you want to run to the bathroom and brush your teeth right away, but it’s best to wait 30 minutes if possible. You can swish your mouth with plain water in the meantime. For quicker neutralization of acid you can make a rinse from eight parts of water to one part of baking soda.
ABOUT YOUR NORTHBROOK DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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