"Knowing is half the battle," stresses Dr. Kartik Antani, DMD, dentist at Napa Family Dental of Albuquerque. "If you want to prevent long-term dental issues, knowing how different things can harm our teeth is crucial."
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"Brushing too soon after eating, especially after consuming acidic foods or drinks can be harmful because it may cause enamel erosion," Dr. Antani says. "The enamel is softened by acids temporarily, and brushing right away can wear it down more quickly."
So, consider the waiting game between eating breakfast and brushing your teeth an exercise in delayed gratification. The erosion of enamel can leave "the teeth more vulnerable to problems including decay cavities and sensitivity," says Dr. Marie M. Jackson, DMD, a general dentist and owner of Stellar Smile Center in New Jersey.
How Long Should You Wait After Eating Breakfast to Brush Your Teeth?
Dr. Jackson suggests waiting at least an hour before brushing your teeth.
You may not want to wait that long after brushing your teeth if you want to nix the aftertaste of certain foods and drinks or improve your breath. In that case, try this strategy instead from Dr. Antani: "A good practice is to rinse your mouth right after eating, which also reduces the exposure to acid."
Dr. Antani suggests using a soft-bristle toothbrush, whether you use an electric or manual one.
"Because they can offer more thorough cleaning than manual toothbrushes electric toothbrushes are also a great choice in order to enhance your brushing technique certain electric toothbrushes also come equipped with timers and pressure sensors," Dr. Wei says.
2. Angles and shapes
Thinking of the brushing process in terms of angles and shapes can actually simplify things (even if you hated geometry).
Dr. Antani also suggested imaging your teeth as a five-sided object.
Related: Should You Floss or Brush First? Dentists Reveal the Truth About Your Dental Routine
"Brushing should last about two minutes," Dr. Antani explains. "A good way to break it down is to think of your mouth in four quadrants — upper right, upper left, lower left, lower right — and brush each quadrant for about 30 seconds each."
4. Don't forget the parts of your mouth that aren't your pearly whites.
You're not just cleaning your teeth.
In fact, your tongue is one way to tell whether or not you've completed a thorough cleaning.
Related: Why Your Oral Health Can Impact Your Heart Health
"Aggressive brushing or flossing can severely damage oral tissue, leading to gum recession, wear of the enamel and even tooth sensitivity," Dr. Jackson says. "Use light, gentle pressure when flossing in a C-shaped motion."
6. Replace your brush regularly.
Your handy toothbrush needs regularly updates.
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Sources:
Dr. Kartik Antani, DMD, dentist at Napa Family Dental of AlbuquerqueDr. Marie M. Jackson, DMD, general dentist and owner of Stellar Smile Center in Montclair, New Jersey
"Morning Huddle." ADA.
Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS, founder of Manhattan Cosmetic in NYC
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