We’ve talked before about how long to wait before brushing your teeth after eating or drinking, but what about the opposite – is it ok to eat or drink immediately after brushing your teeth?  

The short and sweet answer is no, it’s not a good idea to have any food or drink right after you finish brushing. But why does it matter? Let’s talk about it.

The first reason to avoid eating or drinking right after brushing actually applies to rinsing your mouth with water as well – it washes away the fluoride left behind by your toothpaste after you brush. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been shown to prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel and interfering with the harmful bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria produce acid, which can damage teeth over time. Not washing away the fluoride left after brushing can reduce tooth decay by up to 25% compared to rinsing with water.

Another reason to avoid snacking or drinking after you put down your toothbrush and floss is that brushing, while critical to maintaining oral hygiene, can temporarily weaken your teeth. After brushing, your tooth enamel (the hard substance that protects the roots of your teeth) is softened, making it more susceptible to damage from sugar and acid. Damaged enamel, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay or sensitivity over time.  

But it gets worse! Certain foods, like coffee, tea or red wine can cause staining normally, but when your enamel is in that weakened state, staining becomes even more likely. So, if you like to enjoy your morning coffee right after brushing, your teeth may yellow more quickly as a result. If you’re concerned about the colour of your teeth, we can help! At Dental Image Therapy Centres, we offer Zoom! Whitening to brighten your smile.  

We’ve gone over why you should avoid eating or drinking immediately after brushing, but exactly how long should you wait? Conveniently, the answer is the same as having food or drink before brushing: 30 minutes. After half an hour, the fluoride from your toothpaste has done its job, and your enamel has re-hardened after being weakened by brushing. That means you’re ready to enjoy breakfast or a morning tea without worrying; just remember to go easy on the sugar.  

Lastly, a key component of keeping your teeth white and your smile bright is regular trips to the dentist. Ideally, you should be getting a routine check-up and cleaning every six months, so if it’s been a while since your last appointment, or if you have any other questions about your teeth, simply click the orange book appointment button and follow the prompts.