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A member asked:
After you eat a meal, how quickly are you suppose to brush your teeth afterwards?
3 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Family practice: Sooner the better but enjoy your food and flavors for awhile.
Answered 3/25/2013
5.2k views
As soon as possible.: The most detrimental effects of leaving food particles/sugar on you teeth after a meal happen during the 1st half hour. Food you leave is used by bacteria normally found in your mouth. The metabolic bi-products of the bacteria are acidic and begin to breakdown tooth enamel. This is how cavities start. The bacterial activity and acids also cause inflammation and ultimately breakdown of gums too.
Answered 3/25/2013
5.2k views
Soon: There is no specific time frame, but sooner is better. The food debris that remains in your mouth after you eat--especially the sugary stuff--is just fodder for bacterial activity. The sooner you brush, the sooner you remove much of that debris and the bacterial coatings on your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums.
Answered 3/25/2013
5.2k views
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