Next week is Nutrition and Hydration Week, which runs from 14th – 20th June. The purpose of the week is to educate people on the value of food and drink in maintaining health and wellbeing.
At Honour Health, we know that proper hydration and nutrition is crucial for maintaining good oral health.
How does drinking water benefit your mouth?
Drinking enough water – ideally about eight glasses per day – is one of the best things you can do to protect your teeth. Sipping on water washes away leftover food, stimulates saliva flow and dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.
It’s still important to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and to floss once a day, but drinking water regularly throughout the day will help your mouth to stay clean between brushes.
How long should you wait after eating before brushing your teeth?
You should leave at least half an hour after eating or drinking anything (apart from water) before you brush your teeth. If you brush too soon, this can harm your enamel, which will have been softened by acid attacks while you eat or drink. If possible, avoid highly acidic or sugary foods or drinks, as they cause the most damage to your teeth. Carbonated drinks, smoothies and fruit juices all contain harmful sugars and acids, so it’s best to swap these for water whenever you can.
After brushing your teeth, don’t rinse your mouth with water, as this will wash away fluoride. It’s important to leave fluoride on your teeth for as long as possible to provide the best protection. Try to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least half an hour after brushing.
What is the best time of day brush your teeth?
It’s really important to brush your teeth before you go to bed. During the day, food leaves debris on your teeth that feed bacteria. Usually, saliva helps defend your mouth against this bacteria, but saliva production decreases at night. If you don’t brush your teeth before bed, bacteria is free to attack your teeth for hours on end while you’re sleeping. Make sure you brush before bed, and at one other time during the day.
If you’d like any advice about improving your diet, lifestyle or oral hygiene techniques to protect your dental health, ask your dentist at Honour Health. We’re here to help!
For further information about Nutrition and Hydration Week, visit https://nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk/