Brushing your teeth seems to be a simple habit that most people adopt from childhood. However, in some cases this almost automatic action could cause more harm than good.
The ritual of brushing your teeth after every meal is essential to help keep them healthy. Brushing your teeth prevents the build-up of dental plaque, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
However, contrary to what many believe, it is best not to brush your teeth immediately after eating.
“Lots of people brush their teeth straight after eating because they believe it’s important to get rid of the food from their teeth quickly,“ dentist Hanna Kinsella told The Express.
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The professional recommends waiting at least half an hour to brush your teeth since doing it immediately after eating can damage the delicate tooth enamel.
Tooth enamel, also called adamantine tissue, is the substance that covers each tooth and provides its outer protection. It is the first and most important line of defense against cavities, said the dentist.
“Foods that contain citric acid can soften tooth enamel for a time, and brushing too soon after eating them will damage the enamel while it’s weak,” Kinsella explained.
Another common mistake, according to the specialist, is holding the toothbrush too tightly when cleaning your teeth.
“Applying too much pressure is dangerous though because it can slowly erode the tooth enamel which can’t repair itself,” the expert warned.
Excess pressure can also cause sensitivity and cause the gums to shrink and erode, the doctor added.
“Instead, I always advise people to hold their toothbrush at the very end and use a grip as if they’re holding a pen,” the dentist concluded.
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