Dr. Alex Foo emphasizes that maintaining healthy teeth requires more than just regular brushing and flossing. According to the award-winning dentist, taking a break from eating after lunch is crucial for dental health. He recommends a two-hour pause following midday meals to allow saliva to work its magic in cleaning and remineralizing teeth.
“Giving your saliva time to naturally cleanse and strengthen your enamel can significantly lower the risk of cavities and enamel erosion,” Dr. Foo shared with the Express.
He explains that after lunch, the pH level of saliva increases, enhancing its ability to protect teeth and remineralize enamel. The choices made during lunch can also influence the saliva’s quality for the remainder of the day, with healthier options leading to improved oral health.
“A salad or similar nutritious choices can foster a healthier mouth,” he advised.
Supporting Dr. Foo’s insights, Whitney DiFoggio, a registered dental hygienist, warns against consuming fermentable carbohydrates during meals, such as white bread, pasta, chips, and crackers. These foods break down into sugars while chewing, which DiFoggio describes as “sneaky sugars.” She notes that they can make the mouth more acidic as saliva works overtime to remove the sticky residue, thereby increasing the risk of tooth decay.
In contrast, DiFoggio advocates for crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery, which are more beneficial for both dental and overall health due to their requirement for more chewing.
Dr. Foo also suggests using chewing gum sweetened with xylitol after lunch to boost saliva production. Xylitol, a natural sweetener derived from plants, is considered a healthier alternative to gums sweetened with artificial sugars like aspartame.
Meanwhile, UK dental surgeon Shaadi Manouchehri has stirred debate with her unique morning routine, which involves brushing her teeth before breakfast. “Brushing first is essential to avoid damaging your teeth and gums, as bacteria multiply overnight,” she explained. This approach protects against harmful acids in food and drinks while ensuring fresh breath to start the day.
If brushing after breakfast is preferred, she advises waiting at least 30 minutes to allow enamel to remineralize after exposure to acids. Drinking water can help expedite this process.
By following these expert recommendations, individuals can better protect their teeth and promote overall oral health.
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