Times You Really Shouldn’t Brush Your Teeth, According to a Dentist

By now, you know that you’re supposed to brush your teeth twice a day. You probably just do it out of habit. A good cleaning of our teeth first thing in the morning makes most of us feel awake and ready for the day. And at night, it’s nice to go to bed with a fresh mouth. While we are often warned about the importance of staying on top of brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, there are times when scrubbing your teeth can do more harm than good. These are the occasions to avoid reaching for your toothbrush and opt for a glass of water instead. 

After Acidic Foods 

The flavor of sour candies is great in the moment, but they often leave you with a nasty aftertaste in your mouth. The same goes for the tangy sensation that citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, lemons, and oranges leave. Tomatoes are one of the most infamous vegetables for their acidity. All of these foods have one thing in common: they soften the enamel and make it more vulnerable to damage.

“By brushing after acidic foods, one is rubbing and erasing layers of their enamel,” says Dr. Steven Davidowitz, DDS, FICOI. Apart from limiting candies, there is nothing particularly wrong with eating these foods; you just shouldn’t brush right away, or it can lead to tooth decay. If you feel like you need to wash away the sour taste in your mouth, pour yourself a glass of milk. 

After Throwing Up 

If you are in the midst of morning sickness, a tummy bug, or a bout of food poisoning, don’t touch that toothbrush after an emergency trip to the bathroom. We have all been there. It’s awful, and there is nothing you want more than to get rid of the aftertaste of vomit. Unfortunately for the long-term integrity of your teeth, you need to put down your toothbrush. Dr. Davidowitz says you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, and instead recommends rinsing your mouth with water.

After a Glass of Wine

Red wine contains pigments known as anthocyanins, which can stain your teeth. You might want to brush after a glass to avoid possible discoloration, but you should wait at least half an hour to avoid damaging the enamel. White wine might not seem to have the same staining power as red, but the acid in it still leaves your teeth vulnerable to stains. The same rule stands: avoid brushing right after having a glass.

After Sodas or Fizzy Drinks 

Sodas are already one of the biggest culprits for early tooth decay. They’re full of eroding acids, such as phosphoric, citric, and carbonic. On their own, sodas can cause irreparable damage. Combine them with immediate brushing, and it’s a recipe for increased sensitivity and enamel erosion. The best solution, in this case, is to try and avoid fizzy drinks entirely and drink water instead. In addition to their high acidity content, they are also packed full of sugar, which not only wreaks havoc on your teeth but also your overall health. If that’s not an option, try drinking them with a straw or switching to sparkling water instead.  

After Morning Coffee

Your go-to routine when you wake up may be to get your caffeine fix as quickly as possible. But for the health of your teeth, try to brush them before preparing your morning brew. After a cup, you should wait 30 minutes to brush and few of us have that time to spare between your morning latte and running out the door. So, giving them a good clean before breakfast is the ideal way to maintain your oral hygiene while also getting a much-needed boost of caffeine. 

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?

When it comes to brushing, less is more. Brushing twice a day is standard. Every once in a while, you may add a third brush in before meeting friends or going to an after-lunch meeting, but don’t overdo it. “Brushing more than three times a day can wear down enamel and cause gum recession,” says Dr. Davidowitz. While underbrushing can result in a buildup of plaque, bacteria, and acidity on the teeth, overbrushing can cause abrasion, receding gums, and erosion. It’s best to wait between 30 to 60 minutes after eating to brush your teeth and to always use either a soft or electric toothbrush.

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