Hold Off on Brushing: When Your Teeth Need a Break

A dentist on TikTok has sparked a conversation about dental hygiene. Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri shared surprising advice: there are times you shouldn't brush your teeth right away.  At Pittman Dental Laboratory, our lab techs and client Doctors have seen pretty much everything. Their skills and dedication has help many patients overcome many an dental obsticle. We were wondering if you agree with Dr. Manouchehri as to when you should not brush your teeth?

Dr. Manouchehri says that you should wait to brush after:

• Throwing Up: Vomit is acidic and can damage softened enamel. Brushing too soon scrubs the acid onto teeth.
• Eating Breakfast: Breakfast foods can be acidic, like citrus fruits. Wait for saliva to neutralize the acid before brushing.
• Having Sweets: Sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, creating acid. Brushing too soon spreads the acid around.

The common thread? Acidity. Acid weakens tooth enamel. Brushing too soon after these activities can damage the enamel.

How Long to Wait?

Dr. Manouchehri recommends waiting 30-60 minutes to allow saliva to neutralize the acid.

Tips While You Wait:

• Rinse with Alcohol-Free Mouthwash: This removes acid without harming teeth.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing increases saliva production, which helps neutralize acid.

Wait Before Brushing After Anything Acidic

Dr. Lucynda Raben, another dentist, agrees. She advises waiting to brush after anything acidic, not just the three examples listed above.

Why We Thought Brushing Sooner Was Better

For many, brushing right after eating or vomiting seemed like the natural thing to do. However, new research shows the dangers of brushing in an acidic environment.

The Damage of Brushing Too Soon

Brushing while the mouth is acidic can wear away tooth enamel, similar to how household cleaners remove stains. This damage may not be noticeable right away, but over time, it can weaken teeth.

Dr.  Manouchehri's Takeaway

Wait 30-60 minutes to brush your teeth after vomiting, eating breakfast, or having sweets. For anything acidic, waiting before brushing is a good practice to protect your teeth.

Feel free to share your thoughts on Dr. Manouchehri's advice by emailing us at bill@pittmandental.com.  Rest assured, Pittman Dental Laboratory is committed to meeting all your dental needs and providing exceptional care for your patients.