Oral Health in Boise: When It's Better Not To Brush

Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the critical job of protecting teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also safeguards tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.

Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly incredible. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone. The team at Blaisdell Family Dentistry encourages our patients to guard their tooth enamel for a lifetime of good oral health in Boise.

This may seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes it is better not to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is beneficial because it washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.

If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already taken place. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth and oral health in Boise will thank you for it. Using teeth as tools can impair enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance on chipping a tooth just to open a package of lunch meat?

Chewing ice and hard candy can also impair enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for a long period of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy, it can lead to cavities which erode enamel just as efficiently as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion or other dental problems, Drs. Lynn R. Blaisdell can help you safeguard what is left. To schedule an extensive examination of your oral health in Boise, contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry at 208-377-9696! We can instruct you on topics such as root canals, tooth extraction, and emergency dentistry.