Why Brushing After Meals Is Essential for Your Teeth!"

Discover the key to a healthier smile: brushing after meals. Let's explore why this habit is crucial for your dental wellness.

In our daily routine, we often prioritize brushing our teeth twice daily — once in the morning and once before bed. People mostly skip the latter one, too. I was reading about the causes of cavities and early tooth decay due to leftover food particles in our oral cavity. So, I am reconsidering the fact that brushing my teeth is essential after breakfast and lunch.

However, we don’t have the practice of doing toothbrushes after breakfast and lunch. Generally, we must go to school, the office, and whatever job we do. So, it is easy to maintain the hygiene of gums and teeth on an empty stomach.

According to many research reviews, after any meal, even drinking juices, coffee, and tea, our teeth are mostly coated with leftover food particles. If left unattended, this becomes an open invitation for bacteria to throw a party, leading to plaque buildup, bad breath, and other oral health issues.

Though brushing in the morning and night provides a solid defense against the attack of many infections and the stinky smell of gastric juice, after-meal brushing is mainly overlooked.

Brushing your teeth before a meal is like putting on protective gear; brushing your teeth after is like starting an effective defense against the forces of decay.

If you want to keep that natural, priceless gem in your body for longer, you should take care of it. Clean your teeth after each snack or gargle the oral cavity with plain water throughout the day. This will filter many food particles away from the teeth.

Try to clean your teeth with Dandasa (Datan in everyday language). It is a layer of specific tree bark that has anti-inflammatory properties. It also produces a strong natural and organic secretion against germs. I found it the most effective of all fancy kinds of toothpaste.

It’s a traditional method of oral hygiene practised in various parts of the world, especially in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The twigs of tree bark are usually taken from certain types of trees known for their medicinal properties, such as the Salvadora persica tree (also known as the “miswak” or “arak” tree).

These twigs are chewed on one end until the fibres separate, forming a brush-like tip to clean the teeth and gums. Dandasa has been used for centuries and is still used by many people today due to its accessibility and perceived oral health benefits.

Timing is Key: When to Brush After Meals

It's best not to brush your teeth right after eating, especially if you've had acidic foods or drinks like citrus fruits or soda. Waiting about 30 minutes to an hour is a good idea. This is because acidic foods can weaken the enamel on your teeth. If you brush right after eating them, you might actually damage your enamel more. Giving your saliva some time to neutralize the acids can help protect your teeth. So, wait a bit before brushing after meals to keep your smile healthy and strong.

Remember, a little post-meal brushing goes a long way in preserving your precious pearly whites. Let's smile brighter and live healthier, one brush at a time!"

VERIFY: Why you should wait 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth

My experience will help keep your teeth and smile bright and strong. Please share strategies for keeping your teeth healthy.

This article was published by the author initially on Medium in Life Style Today on November 21, 2023.