Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day can be a great way to help prevent cavities and other decay. But you could also help protect your teeth more by brushing after eating meals or snacks. If you brush after eating sugar, it could help remove harmful bacteria and reduce excess acid in your mouth. But it may not always be a good idea. Maintaining your at-home oral hygiene and seeing a general dentist in Dallas, TX, twice a year is the best way to combat sugar-caused decay. Your dentist can help recommend the best oral hygiene tools you need to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Why You Should Brush After Eating Sugar
Sugar can negatively affect the ecosystem of your mouth. While your saliva naturally washes away some sugar, excess amounts can stick to your teeth. The bacteria that live in your mouth then eat the sugar, creating high levels of acidity. This acid is what often eats away at your enamel, creating cavities. Reducing the amount of sugar in your mouth can help keep acid levels low. Brushing your teeth after consuming high-sugar foods or drinks can help keep your oral health in balance.
When NOT to Brush After Sugar
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t always brush after eating or drinking something super sugary. Highly acidic foods and drinks can greatly weaken the enamel of your teeth. If you were to brush too soon after consuming acidic content, then you may end up with enamel loss. Enamel loss can make it even easier for decay and damage to affect your teeth.
Instead of brushing your teeth after eating acidic foods, such as an orange, or drinking acidic drinks, such as soda, you should rinse your mouth with warm water. Your dentist may also recommend a mouthwash that can help clean out more sugar particles without further damaging your teeth. Your enamel layer can take up to an hour to restore itself after consuming high amounts of acidic food or drink. So make sure you wait before brushing.
How to Avoid Decay Caused by Sugar
Brushing and rinsing your mouth out after eating sugar is a great way to prevent acid buildup and plaque. But there are other ways you can help keep your oral health in check. For instance, reducing your sugar intake overall is a great way to limit how much sugar builds up on your teeth. It’s important to keep in mind that even natural sugars can still affect your teeth. While they’re not as damaging as foods with highly processed white sugar, meals high in fruit or starches could impact your oral health.
Another great way to protect your teeth from the damage of sugar is to see your dentist at least twice a year for a routine cleaning and exam. A professional cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar, helping you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Call Lochwood Family Dental today at 214-544-9633 to schedule a cleaning and learn more about how sugar can affect your mouth.