Dental expert reveals exact times you should be brushing your teeth

I’m a dental expert – these are the exact times you should be brushing your teeth to avoid destroying enamel

  • Dr Richard Marques says not to brush your teeth straight after eating chocolate
  • READ MORE: Dentists reveal top 4 mistakes that could be ruining your teeth

Many of us are brought up being warned that sugar will destroy your teeth, so you  might be tempted to head for the bathroom after enjoying a sweet teeth. 

Doctor Richard Marques, a dental expert at London’s Harley Street Clinic, has shared tips with Femail to ensure you maintain healthy, clean teeth after indulging in your favourite snacks.

Dr Marques recommends that you refrain from brushing your teeth straight after consuming sugary snacks, and this applies whether you have natural teeth, veneers, or gold teeth.

This is to ensure that the saliva in your mouth has enough time to break down acids, so that they are less potent and damaging to your teeth when brushed.

But when is the right time to brush your teeth after consuming a chocolate bar or two? And when is the best time to build dental hygeine into your morning routine? 

Doctor Richard Marques, a dental expert at London’s Harley Street Clinic, has shared tips on the best time to brush your teeth after eating chocolate

AFTER SNACKING

Dr Marques said that best practice is to wait a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating sugary snacks, particularly those high in acidity.

‘This is because your mouth provides the perfect breeding ground for sugar to be transferred to the teeth and gums’ he said.

‘Harmful bacteria then feed on the sugar, subsequently attacking the enamel, making teeth more prone to tooth decay and teeth sensitivity.’

Dr Marques explained that healthy enamel – a thin outer covering of the tooth – is crucial to good dental health as it protects our teeth from damage. He warned that we must take great care of this protective barrier as it can not be replaced.

He said: ‘The irreplaceable enamel on our teeth that protects from damage is temporarily weakened after consuming acidic or sugary drinks or snacks.’

‘The body is unable to produce more enamel as it does not contain any living cells. This means if it is destroyed, it is destroyed forever.’ 

AFTER BREAKFAST 

For those on the go, surely the luxury of 30-minute downtime after eating is unimaginable. So in this circumstance, Dr Marques recommends you brush your teeth shortly before downing a coffee.

He added: ‘If it is breakfast time and you’d be looking to leave the house shortly after consuming sugary food and drink, the best practice is to brush your teeth before eating.’

‘Depending on your toothpaste of choice, this can offer some protection for the teeth when they then come into contact with breakfast treats.’

However, Dr Marque suggests we eat tempting foods sparingly, as overconsumption may have a detrimental effect on your overall oral health – and this goes for sugar-free foods too.

He said: ‘In order to avoid tooth loss and gum disease, sugary snacks are best enjoyed on occasion.’

‘Also be aware of sugar-free items as they can sometimes contain ingredients just as harmful to your teeth as sugar.’

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