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Experts say there\u2019s one more way to look after your teeth and gums: rinsing your mouth with water after you eat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In order to understand the power of rinsing out your mouth post-breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, you first need to understand pH. PH\u2014or potential hydrogen\u2014is the level of acidic and basic compounds in the body, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 being neutral, and 14 being the most basic or alkaline. Ideally, your mouth should remain at a neutral or basic pH, but mealtime can make your mouth more acidic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery time you eat, your saliva breaks food down for digestion which will create an acid byproduct,\u201d explains Lilya Horowitz, DDS, of Domino Dental <\/a>in Brooklyn, New York. \u201cThis leads to more biofilm and plaque buildup, so rinsing with a neutral or basic water can help lower the pH in the mouth.\u201d In an acidic environment or an environment below 4.5 pH<\/a>, the enamel of the teeth will start to break down.\u00a0<\/p>\n Over time, enamel breaking down can contribute to cavities and dental decay, according to oral surgeon Jason Auerbach, DDS<\/a>. \u201cThe acidity that sits on one\u2019s teeth and the bacteria that comes from decaying food on the surface of one\u2019s teeth are the primary culprits for tooth decay, so rinsing actual hard material and debris off of the teeth using regular water is the most sensible way to combat it,\u201d he explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n When you swish your mouth with water after every meal, you\u2019re offering the teeth and gums a less acidic, healthier environment. Just make sure to get to the bathroom as soon as you take your last bite.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe best time to rinse with water is immediately after eating, but certainly sugary or acidic foods are most problematic,\u201d says Auerbach. Foods like sauerkraut, vinegar, tomatoes, citrus, and jelly are high in acidity, so make sure to rinse\u2014and stat\u2014after you\u2019ve enjoyed any of these ingredients. \u201cThis will lead to the mouth being cleaner, which will lower the inflammatory<\/a> response in the body,\u201d Horowitz says.\u00a0<\/p>\n One thing to note: You should never clean your mouth with bubbly water. \u201cCarbonated waters, even the sugar-free ones, are acidic and can weaken enamel. Seltzers are okay with meals in short durations, but nursing a can for hours at your desk is bad,\u201d says Horowitz. Citrus-flavored carbonated waters are the worst offenders due to their double dose of acidity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re already in the habit of rinsing with mouthwash after lunch at your desk, know that this practice does not replace swishing with some H2O. \u201cThe primary advantage to using mouthwash is [for] halitosis\u2014aka bad breath compensation\u2014but the bigger issue is that most of the times mouthwashes are acidic and therefore are not good for the surface of the enamel,\u201d Auerbach says.\u00a0<\/p>\n Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, an ingredient that lowers pH and dries out the oral mucosa or the soft tissue that lines the walls of your inner mouth. This could lead to poor gum health over time. \u201cIf you are at a higher risk for cavities or gum issues based on your dentist\u2019s recommendation, a mouthwash may be beneficial,\u201d says Horowitz. \u201cHowever, I do not think there is much value in using a commercially available mouthwash unless you just enjoy the taste and would like to freshen your breath.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n If you do decide to purchase drugstore mouthwash, make sure to choose an alcohol-free option and ask your dentist which brand they recommend.\u00a0<\/p>\n Short answer: No, it\u2019s actually better to rinse with water after your meal. \u201cSometimes, after an acidic meal, brushing the teeth is not necessarily the best thing because the enamel is a little bit softer, and you can do some damage,\u201d says Auerbach. While it\u2019s safe to wash your mouth out with water immediately after eating, make sure to wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing your teeth<\/a> to avoid damaging your enamel.\u00a0<\/p>\n That said, never skip <\/em>brushing and flossing your teeth\u2014if you can help it. \u201cThe benefit you derive by brushing your teeth or flossing after each meal will outweigh the negative effects,\u201d says Auerbach.\u00a0<\/p>\nWill mouthwash work instead?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Is it safe to brush your teeth after every meal instead?\u00a0<\/h2>\n