Do this after every meal to keep your teeth healthy
What to do after eating for healthy teeth (photo: Freepik)
Rinsing your mouth with water immediately after eating is beneficial for the health of your teeth and gums. It not only helps wash away food particles and reduce plaque but also lowers acidity in the mouth, protecting tooth enamel, according to The Mirror.
What you should know
During celebrations and feasts, teeth can suffer significant damage. Many holiday foods and fizzy drinks can contribute to tooth decay.
Dentist Mala Sabharwal advises people to follow one simple habit before brushing their teeth.
''A common mistake which thousands are unaware of is that when indulging in sugary or acidic foods and drinks, it’s important to rinse your mouth with water straight away rather than brushing immediately, giving your teeth time to recover from the acid,'' the expert explained.
Rinsing with water can help protect teeth by diluting harmful acids found in many foods and drinks. It can also reduce enamel erosion and the risk of cavities.
It is especially important to avoid chewy candies, as they can damage certain types of fillings and crowns.
Avoiding snacks and limiting sugary foods can further reduce sugar's harmful effects. The same water-rinsing method applies to mulled wine, as the drink's acidity can damage enamel if sipped slowly.
Foods that stick to your teeth
Foods that cling to teeth and can harm enamel and gums are usually high in sugar or starch or have a sticky consistency.
Sticky sweets
This includes lollipops, caramel (especially soft and chewy), toffees, gummies, nougat, and chewing candies.
Dried fruits
Eat raisins, apricots, dates, and nuts coated in sugar or chocolate with caution.
Sticky foods remain on teeth longer, allowing bacteria to ferment sugars and produce acid that destroys enamel.
Frequent consumption increases the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.
After eating such foods, it’s best to rinse with water or brush your teeth after 20–30 minutes. Choose less sticky alternatives such as fresh fruit, cheese, or unsweetened nuts.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
