Why you shouldn’t brush your teeth right after eating

Of all the teachings we hear as children, probably one of the most frequently repeated is that we need to brush our teeth. teeth several times a day . This is to eliminate food remains, bad breath and prevent the appearance of cavities.

Due to the importance of oral hygiene in daily life, it is necessary when we are away from home to work or study, to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean after eating .

But what do we know about the waiting time to brush your teeth? Why is it not always advisable to do this immediately after eating?

From Mayo Clinic They explain that practicing oral hygiene right after eating could be a bad step, especially with foods or drinks high in acids. This category includes sodas, sweets and citrus fruits or fruit juices.

“The acid they contain can soften the enamel. Brushing too quickly after eating or drinking something acidic can damage tooth enamel. details the entity.

According to the site Massident with this type of food or drink the pH of the mouth is modified for a certain time: Acidity softens tooth enamel.

Saliva is able to resolve this situation, however, at least 20 minutes must pass so that it can clean the acidity and the enamel regains its strength.

Considering the above, it is best to wait about 30 minutes to brush your teeth and thus protect them from possible damage.

Juan Carlos Llodra Calvo, expert in preventive and community dentistry at the University of Granada (Spain), told BBC that once this time has passed, the calcium dissolved in the saliva can return to the enamel.

Note that the recommendation to wait a few minutes to brush your teeth also applies to vomiting, given that They also have an acid content which could cause severe tooth erosion.