It’s not always the best idea to be on top of brushing your teeth….

You are probably conditioned to believe that brushing your teeth immediately following a meal is the healthiest action but did you know that waiting at least a few minutes is actually the smarter move?

When we eat, our stomachs secrete an acid which helps us to digest food by creating an optimal pH for enzymes to work. But that acid can also weaken our enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth, making them vulnerable to wear (or thinning) from tooth brushing. If that enamel is weakened, it puts the tooth at risk for decay.

So, while you shouldn’t rush to brush your teeth after eating, don’t forget to do it entirely! Left over food particles, called plaque, create a biofilm layer that sticks to and in between your teeth. The bacteria that live within this layer also secrete acid that can harm your enamel and enable tooth decay as we just discussed; but it also irritates your gums and if not removed, can harden into tartar, leading to gum disease.

Optimally, you should wait 30-60 minutes after eating a meal prior to brushing your teeth. This gives time for your saliva to wash away some of the food debris and neutralize the digestive acids. Plan accordingly!