Three Times You Should Never Brush Your Teeth, According to a Dentist

Have you ever wondered what you should do immediately after eating candy? While some might be tempted to reach for their toothbrush, it turns out that this might not be the best course of action. A dentist has shed light on the right timing for brushing your teeth and it may not be when you think.

In a viral TikTok video that's shaking up traditional dental care routines, Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri (@drshaadimanouchehri), who is based in London, in the U.K., has taken to TikTok to share advice that goes against the grain: there are certain times when brushing your teeth could actually be detrimental to your oral health.

Her video has had 12 million views, and while it may not be revolutionary, it challenges common practice. Many people typically brush their teeth after breakfast or indulging in candy, but it appears that waiting might be advisable.

"You should wait 30-60 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging the enamel," she told Newsweek.

"Most individuals would benefit from a routine consisting of toothbrushing using an electric toothbrush twice daily for two minutes—first thing in the morning before breakfast and last thing at night before going to bed," she said.

3 Occasions When You Shouldn't Brush Your Teeth

In a short and snappy video that has over 865,000 likes, Manouchehri describe three times when it's not advisable to brush your teeth.

1. Immediately After Eating: It's a common belief that brushing right after meals removes food particles and prevents plaque buildup. However, Manouchehri advises against this, especially after consuming acidic foods like citrus fruits or tomatoes. These can soften tooth enamel, and brushing too soon afterwards might lead to damage.
2. After Indulging in Candy: Given sugar's notorious role in promoting tooth decay, the instinct might be to brush your teeth immediately after consuming sugary snacks. Yet, the dentist explains that this can spread the acids produced by bacteria throughout the mouth, increasing the risk of enamel erosion. Waiting a while allows saliva to neutralize these acids, reducing the risk of brushing having a detrimental effect.
3. After Vomiting: While the immediate impulse after vomiting might be to brush your teeth to remove stomach acids, this is precisely when brushing can be harmful. Vomiting can weaken enamel by exposing it to stomach acid, and brushing your teeth too soon can lead to further enamel damage. Rinsing with water or a fluoride mouthwash and waiting a while before brushing is recommended to prevent such damage from occurring.

Manouchehri, who is the founder of Smart Dental and Aesthetics in Marylebone, London, explained how you can brush your teeth without causing harm to the gums or enamel.

"The most effective technique is the modified bass technique which consists of angling the toothbrush (preferably electric) at a 45 degree angle to the gumline to ensure the bristles are going underneath the gums as well as cleaning the teeth,"Manouchehri said.

"Divide the mouth into four quadrants: lower right, lower left, upper right and upper left and spend 30 seconds cleaning all surfaces of the teeth," she said. "Ideally the toothbrush used would have a pressure sensor to avoid excess pressure on the gums which can cause gum recession."

Manouchehri's insights have surprised many on the internet and her video has had more than 3,400 comments.

One comment with 36,700 likes said: "Me brushing after eating a sweet breakfast and vomiting it."

"But doc it taste icky after the vom," said another.

Manouchehri responded: "You can rinse with mouthwash or water instead and brush after 30-60 minutes."

A third commenter said: "Me brushing my teeth wrong my entire life."

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