The upcoming holidays throughout the next two months, means that there will be plenty of sweet and succulent foods to indulge in. For your teeth, however, that means lots of sugars and acidic foods to worry about brushing and flossing away.
If you’re already an adamant tooth-brusher, then you might be wondering if it is possible to brush your teeth too much, especially around these holiday meals. While the resounding answer is no, there are a few factors you need to be aware of, so you’re not brushing too much.
How Many Times A Day Should You Brush Your Teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth two to three times per day or after every meal. More often than not, the bigger concern surrounds how intensely you decide to brush your teeth. Being too abrasive with a brush can make your gums and teeth more sensitive to foods, liquids and their temperatures.
While acidic foods and drinks like a hot cider, turkey or pumpkin pie can weaken the enamel, that shouldn’t stop you from indulging in these holiday staples. You’d have to be consuming these foods repeatedly without taking proper care of your teeth to see significant damage.
In addition to the foods you consume over time, you should also refrain from brushing your teeth immediately after consuming foods that are highly acidic, like some fruits. This could damage your enamel by pushing the acid further into your teeth.
Instead, it’s recommended by several health institutions like the Mayo Clinic, to wait at least 60 minutes after eating these foods before cleaning your teeth. To remove as many food particles as possible, it’s vital to brush at a 45 degree angle in a circular motion, so you can protect your tooth enamel and gum tissue.
Schedule Your Last Dental Appointment Of The Year With Our Glenview Dentist
For most Americans, the holidays make November and December very busy months for work, travel and spending quality time with family and friends. It’s also a crucial time to schedule your annual dental care appointment, before your insurance plan resets in 2022.
Our dentist in Glenview, Illinois is more than happy to see you for an annual exam before the year is up. If you have anxiety when it comes to dental visits, then we also provide several options to help you feel comfortable throughout your appointment. Schedule your appointment with our office online or call us at (847) 729-6080.
