As you’ve probably heard many times before, there are some basics when it comes to brushing your teeth.
- Brush twice a day: Once after you wake up in the morning and once before you go to bed in the evening is essential to proper dental hygiene
- Replace your toothbrush: Usually after 2-3 months of use, the bristles start to fray or become hard, and the toothbrush stops working as effectively
- Massage your teeth: Brushing too vigorously in a side-to-side motion can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Massage your teeth gently with the brush in small circular motions to effectively remove plaque build up.
Learn the do’s and don’t’s of proper dental hygiene.
What you may not have heard is the time when not to brush your teeth. There are certain times during the day when brushing your teeth can in fact do more damage than good to your pearly whites.
The main offender is brushing too soon after eating acidic foods. Acidic foods and drinks create bacteria that weaken your tooth enamel, the protective layer that covers your teeth. Brushing immediately after consuming an acidic snack can strip off the weakened enamel, helping the bacteria to erode your teeth.
So after drinking a coffee or eating a citrus fruit, have a glass of water or a healthy snack and wait 20-30 minutes before grabbing your toothbrush. This time will allow your saliva to work down the acid until it is safe for you to brush again without damage. Be sure to ask your dentist for more brushing techniques or check out this article for more tips and tricks to ensure your chompers stay shiny and strong!
