Can brushing after meals be bad for the enamel

Question

I heard right after eating a meal, it softens the enamel of the teeth, so I think brushing after eating would not be a good idea since it damages the enamel. If this is true, why does this happen? I think this what caused my cavity to form.

Answer 1

Kind of, when you eat sugary snacks this can lead to a drop in the pH of the oral cavity making it susceptible to acid erosion by bacteria.  This drop in pH usually lasts approximately 20 minutes.  So for this time it is not advisable to brush teeth as the structure can be weakened.  Some people believe its best usually to wait an hour.  Acid erosion is caused by bacterial respiration.  The bacteria produce acid is which can dissolve the hydroxyapatite crystals (the enamel) on the surface of your teeth, and during this 20 minutes period the surface enamel is weakened to the point where it can be brushed away. A better suggestion is to eat a portion of cheese immediately after meals.  Cheese is an alkaline food and so is able to partially neutralize the acid and prevent erosion. I hope this helps, and so you know i am a dentist.

Answer 2

Only after you drink a highly acidic drink.  Eg. Lemonade, OJ, Coke,  

Answer 3

NO, you need to brush after a meal.  If you don't you are allowing the bacteria to sit on you teeth, which will weaken the enamle and cause a cavitiy.  There may be other reasons you got that cavity other then you brushing right after you eat.  Do you sleep with you mouth open??  How much pop, tea, coffee, or sugury drinks to you drink.  Also do you drink tap or bottled water.  I am an expanded functions dental assistant so I know these things.

Answer 4

no

Answer 5

Check with you dentist, Most advise you to wait a short time and then brush twice a day morning and bed time. When brushing use a good tooth paste with floride then mouthwash and floss after that.

Betwean meals you should simply use mouthwash

Over brushing can damage tooth enamale but if you get an automated rechargeable brush most have a built in timer which cuts out after the recommended time, The good one also cut out and reset if you press too hard!

Watch which brand of mouthwash you choose some are too aggressive on the teath. The best recommended brand by the BDA is a product called " corsadil daily defence". Its avalibale from Boots etc and cost around £3.50