Oral health is of great importance in a person's life, as it not only affects the health of the teeth themselves but also the overall health of the human body. Dr. Suhail Muhyiddin, a Chicago-based dentist known as dr.m@ on TikTok, reveals the significance of knowing the acidity level of the mouth after eating and the duration a person should wait before brushing their teeth.
In a TikTok video, Dr. Muhyiddin states, "When the mouth is in an acidic state, brushing can remove enamel," which is the hard outer layer that covers the teeth and protects them from decay and erosion. The dentist used pH strips to test the acidity level of his mouth after having a cup of coffee. After testing his mouth several times at five, ten, fifteen, and twenty minutes after drinking coffee, he found that his mouth only became alkaline after thirty minutes—the appropriate time to brush teeth after eating.
According to Mayo Clinic, acids produced from food and drink weaken the tooth enamel, which can be further damaged by brushing too soon. Dr. Muhyiddin commented that for the same reasons, one should avoid brushing teeth immediately after vomiting, as this can lead to severe enamel erosion due to gastric acids present in the vomit, according to a study published in BPS Psychosocial Medicine.
When is it best to brush your teeth? Dr. Muhyiddin suggests it is preferable to brush teeth before meals and before bed, rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash immediately afterward, preferably with fluoride. He also mentioned in another comment that another way to protect enamel is to spit out and leave excess toothpaste on the teeth.
