Do not brush proper after you eat. Dentists say there’s one behavior that is higher for oral—and total—well being

Specialists say there’s another option to take care of your enamel and gums: rinsing your mouth with water after you eat. 

Why rinsing your mouth after you eat is a wonderful oral well being apply

To be able to perceive the ability of rinsing out your mouth post-breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, you first want to grasp pH. PH—or potential hydrogen—is the extent of acidic and fundamental compounds within the physique, with 0 being probably the most acidic, 7 being impartial, and 14 being probably the most fundamental or alkaline. Ideally, your mouth ought to stay at a impartial or fundamental pH, however mealtime could make your mouth extra acidic. 

“Every time you eat, your saliva breaks food down for digestion which will create an acid byproduct,” explains Lilya Horowitz, DDS, of Domino Dental in Brooklyn, New York. “This leads to more biofilm and plaque buildup, so rinsing with a neutral or basic water can help lower the pH in the mouth.” In an acidic surroundings or an environment below 4.5 pH, the enamel of the enamel will begin to break down. 

Over time, enamel breaking down can contribute to cavities and dental decay, based on oral surgeon Jason Auerbach, DDS. “The acidity that sits on one’s teeth and the bacteria that comes from decaying food on the surface of one’s teeth are the primary culprits for tooth decay, so rinsing actual hard material and debris off of the teeth using regular water is the most sensible way to combat it,” he explains. 

Once you swish your mouth with water after each meal, you’re providing the enamel and gums a much less acidic, more healthy surroundings. Simply be sure that to get to the lavatory as quickly as you’re taking your final chunk. 

“The best time to rinse with water is immediately after eating, but certainly sugary or acidic foods are most problematic,” says Auerbach. Meals like sauerkraut, vinegar, tomatoes, citrus, and jelly are excessive in acidity, so be sure that to rinse—and stat—after you’ve loved any of those substances. “This will lead to the mouth being cleaner, which will lower the inflammatory response in the body,” Horowitz says. 

One factor to notice: You need to by no means clear your mouth with bubbly water. “Carbonated waters, even the sugar-free ones, are acidic and can weaken enamel. Seltzers are okay with meals in short durations, but nursing a can for hours at your desk is bad,” says Horowitz. Citrus-flavored carbonated waters are the worst offenders as a consequence of their double dose of acidity.  

Will mouthwash work as a substitute? 

For those who’re already within the behavior of rinsing with mouthwash after lunch at your desk, know that this apply doesn’t change swishing with some H2O. “The primary advantage to using mouthwash is [for] halitosis—aka bad breath compensation—but the bigger issue is that most of the times mouthwashes are acidic and therefore are not good for the surface of the enamel,” Auerbach says. 

Many mouthwashes comprise alcohol, an ingredient that lowers pH and dries out the oral mucosa or the delicate tissue that strains the partitions of your internal mouth. This might result in poor gum well being over time. “If you are at a higher risk for cavities or gum issues based on your dentist’s recommendation, a mouthwash may be beneficial,” says Horowitz. “However, I do not think there is much value in using a commercially available mouthwash unless you just enjoy the taste and would like to freshen your breath.” 

For those who do determine to buy drugstore mouthwash, be sure that to decide on an alcohol-free choice and ask your dentist which model they advocate. 

Is it secure to brush your enamel after each meal as a substitute? 

Quick reply: No, it’s truly higher to rinse with water after your meal. “Sometimes, after an acidic meal, brushing the teeth is not necessarily the best thing because the enamel is a little bit softer, and you can do some damage,” says Auerbach. Whereas it’s secure to scrub your mouth out with water instantly after consuming, be sure that to attend 30 to 60 minutes earlier than brushing your teeth to keep away from damaging your enamel. 

That mentioned, by no means skip brushing and flossing your enamel—if you happen to will help it. “The benefit you derive by brushing your teeth or flossing after each meal will outweigh the negative effects,” says Auerbach. 

For extra on oral well being care habits: