We’re all told bushing our teeth twice a day helps keep our teeth and mouth healthy. But a dentist has warned there are certain occasions when tooth brushing should be avoided.
London dentist Dr Shaadi Manouchehri issued the warning on her TikTok channel in a video that’s now had 11 million views.
1. You should never brush after you’ve just been sick
This is because the contents of the stomach are very acidic and the mouth is in a very acidic state, said Dr Manouchehri.
She added: “So if you brush straight after you’re basally wearing away your enamel.”
2. You should never brush straight after breakfast
When you’ve just eaten your mouth is in a very acidic state. Dr Manouchehri advised: “So if you’re brushing your teeth you’re rubbing that acid on your tooth which is a mineral and it can wear it down.”
3. Don’t brush your teeth after you’ve just had sweets
Wait at least 60 minutes, said Dr Manouchehri. She explained: “This is because when you’ve just eaten sweets the mouth has digested it into an acid and that acid is going to get rubbed on the teeth and destroy the enamel.”
“So wait at least 60 minutes before you brush your teeth.”
The NHS advises brushing your teeth for about two minutes last thing before you go to bed and on one other occasion every day.
But your dentist or hygienist may give you more advice based on your own dental health and needs.
The health service further advises: “After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste. Don’t rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it’ll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste.
“Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.”
Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but you should avoid using this straight after brushing your teeth, otherwise it will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth.
