From a young age, we are bombarded with dental care advice. Some of the advice is good. Other advice is dental care myth. So how do you separate the fact from the fiction? With the help of Leikin & Baylin Dental Care, of course! We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.
Dental Care Myth No. 1: You should brush after every Meal
You know that brushing your teeth is important. In fact, it is the corner stone of any good oral care routine. But when should we brush? In the morning? At night? After every meal?
The Answers: Yes, Yes, and No.
The thinking behind brushing after every meal is sound. You want to protect your teeth and when better to do this then immediately after eating. However, brushing too soon after a meal can actually damage tooth enamel.
What!?
Yep! When you eat, your mouth produces certain acids, which temporarily soften your tooth enamel. Brushing too soon after eating can actually wear away protective tooth enamel, your mouths first line of defense against cavities. Brushing too soon also doesn’t give your mouth’s second line of defense, saliva, a chance to work either.
Did you know saliva actually contains some of the same enzymes used in detergent, called amylase, to break down starches? It’s true! According to author Mary Roach, who wrote the book Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal, saliva even contains antibacterial substances so effective that wounds in your mouth will actually heal twice as fast as those located outside of the mouth.
So, if you insist on brushing after every meal, you should wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before grabbing that toothbrush.
If you have any questions about Dental Care Myth No. 1: You should brush after every Meal, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. We offer high quality, comprehensive dental care. We set a very high standard for our care and we are very proud of the treatment that we have provided for you.
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Sources:
8 Popular Tooth Myths Debunked Popular Mechanics