Brushing theories

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new boy james
Posts: 43
Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 12:49 pm
Location: Surrey, UK

Brushing theories

#1 Post by new boy james »

Hi guys, generally speaking when is the best time to brush your teeth? I've always assumed that if you eat or drink something sweet it's best that you brush straight away, but I've heard from others that this can actually harm teeth as the sugar slightly softens the enamel and you therefore end up brushing away tiny amounts of enamel over time. I've heard (from a semi-reliable source) that you should wait an hour or so after eating/drinking something sweet before brushing.

Does anyone have the definitive answer?? I'll be getting de-braced in a couple of weeks so I'm enthusiastic about maintaining my good hygiene!!!
Thanks guys!!
"You get nothing but nothing if that's what you do" - Guns'n'Roses

joney
Posts: 1061
Joined: Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:57 am
Location: England
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#2 Post by joney »

I believe that acidic fruit juice or fizzy drinks are the main culprits for wearing at enamel. My ortho recommended limiting these and I have been told only to drink juice with meals. I think there is a chance that the other foods may slightly nuetralise the acids if both are consummed together. I normally drink juice at lunchtime and don't brush my teeth immediately afterwards I just rince with water and pick out any bits that are stuck to the brace.

It is best to be cautious and if possible avoid fizzy drinks , I don't really like them anyway but I know others do. However fruit juice is nutritious so I just avoid brushing for an hour or so at least after I have juice.

Regards
Joney
2 Extractions 2nd November 2006
Brace On 10th November 2006
Top brace off 26 June 2008 (19 1/2 months)

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LadyTr0uble
Posts: 154
Joined: Sun Dec 03, 2006 9:29 pm
Location: NYC

#3 Post by LadyTr0uble »

yikes, I have been so diligent about it, I brush immediately after I have anything other than water nowadays. thanks for the post guys! it's good to know. I hope by drinking with a straw that it will help somewhat?? (I am just trying to make myself feel better)

Betty Bat
Posts: 736
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:45 pm

#4 Post by Betty Bat »

Howdy,
There is a website http://www.dentalgentlecare.com that has a lot of information on tooth care. One of my favorite pages is "Floss Or Die". But this page http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/diet%5Fsoda.htm has a bunch of information on soda and brushing after you have soda and some other acidic foods. Bottom line is drink through a straw and rinse your mouth with water before brushing.

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