Your Dream Team for Beautiful Smiles and Faces

Your Dream Team for Beautiful Smiles and Faces

Should You Brush Right After Eating? | 60619 Dentist

dentist in south side chicago il

Enamel is the guardian of your teeth and the hardest material in the body. It’s the first defense against harmful bacteria which may lead to tooth decay. When you eat certain foods, it creates bacteria which attack your tooth enamel. Carbohydrates and sugary foods are examples of these foods. Brushing directly after eating can be harmful to your enamel.

Why this is a problem

When eating or drinking, the pH balance in your mouth changes. After each bite of acidic food, the pH balance moves towards a level that causes demineralization. The new acidity softens the enamel which can cause bacteria to get into the teeth. Brushing right after you eat may damage your enamel. This is important because enamel protects your teeth from damage.  

Steps you can take to protect your enamel:

If you’ve had anything acidic, don’t brush for at least 30 minutes. 

Fruits with citric acid are one example. If you are planning to ingest acidic foods or drinks, you can brush beforehand.

A glass of water will help remove the acid. Follow this by chewing sugarless gum. These steps help create saliva which will help bring back the necessary pH balance needed for a healthy smile.

Try to avoid soda as prolonged phosphoric acid can cause permanent damage.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is an important habit for optimal oral health. 

Have you ever been told you should brush your teeth right after eating? While this may sound like the right habit to adapt, this practice could be detrimental to the health of your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating may be a better option to keep enamel strong. Visit our Chicago, IL office for an exam and we can give you tips for healthy, strong teeth. Call our office today. 

Dental Dream Team
Phone: (773) 488-3738
820 East 87th Street Suite 201
Chicago, IL 60619

Visit Us

South Side Chicago Dentist
820 East 87th Street Suite 201,
Chicago, IL 60619

Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: By appointment only

Contact Us

Yetta G. McCullom, D.D.S., M.S. (773) 488-3738
Cornell McCullom III, D.D.S., M.D. (773) 488-3738
Robin L. Ferguson, D.D.S., P.C. (773) 488-9075

In The News

South Side Chicago Dentist

  • ABC News
  • WVON - The Talk of Chicago
  • Healthfront
  • WCIU The U
  • WH - The Wellness Hour

Read Our Dental News

South Side Chicago Dentist

Traveling Soon? Don’t Forget Your Teeth | South Side Chicago IL Dentist

Traveling Soon? Don’t Forget Your Teeth | South Side Chicago IL Dentist

Maintaining a regular schedule can be difficult when you travel. For many people, brushing and flossing can seem time-consuming. If you are traveling on business…

Read More >
November 15, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist
Healthy Gums With One Special Tool | South Side Chicago Dentist

Healthy Gums With One Special Tool | South Side Chicago Dentist

Loss of teeth, bad breath, and bleeding gums are among the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. It can, however, start without any noticeable symptoms.…

Read More >
November 01, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist
Healthy Gums for Seniors | South Side Chicago Dentist

Healthy Gums for Seniors | South Side Chicago Dentist

Gum health is one of the most important things to remember for seniors. Your risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease increases with age. The good…

Read More >
October 15, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist