Although it might seem counterintuitive, there are three surprising times you should avoid brushing your teeth: after vomiting, after breakfast, and after eating sweets. Why? The elevated pH levels – or acidity – in the mouth.
Teeth are made of minerals, so a strong acid can dissolve them when you eat anything, whether a meal, snack or especially sweet, sugary treats; the bacteria on your teeth metabolize this and turn it into an acid. As for vomiting, it is the same concept. The stomach contents and digestive juices are very acidic, so if you brush your teeth right after vomiting, you are rubbing acid on them, which can cause damage.
How Can You Neutralize the Acid in Your Mouth?
The acidity in your mouth takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to neutralize. How can you support your salivary glands? Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum can cause your saliva to accumulate faster, neutralizing the acid quicker. Waiting 30 minutes to an hour after vomiting or eating breakfast or sweets allows your mouth time to neutralize the high pH levels.
Tips to Safely Remove Acid from Your Mouth
If you want to try to remove the acidic buildup in your mouth after vomiting or eating without damaging your teeth, try the following tips:
- Alcohol-free mouthwash – Using a mouthwash to rinse everything out, you can remove the acidic content from your mouth without damaging your teeth.
- Sugar-free gum – Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum is an excellent alternative to brushing because it aids in saliva production.
- Delayed brushing – You can still brush your teeth but wait an hour until the pH returns to a neutral level of 7.0.
Caring for Your Smile
You can maintain a strong, healthy smile by taking care of your teeth, including being mindful when you brush.
The Mayo Clinic also recommends waiting to brush your teeth, especially after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks, including soda, sports drinks, citrus juices and fruits, and sour candy, because the acid can soften enamel. By waiting the recommended hour after eating or drinking to brush, your saliva will wash the acid, allowing the enamel to harden again.
In addition to the timing for brushing, the Mayo Clinic also recommends these tips for maintaining the health of your teeth:
- Buy a new toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles on your brush become worn down, bent, or broken sooner, replace your brush.
- Do not smoke or use any other tobacco products.
- See a dentist regularly for routine cleanings and checkups.
Contact Babylon Dental Care
At Babylon Dental Care, we care about you and your teeth. We offer comprehensive dentistry services from General Dentistry to Orthodontics to Sleep Apnea. We pride ourselves on helping our patients achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile at each stage of life. Contact us online or at (631) 983-6665 to discuss your dental needs or schedule an appointment.
