#53: Wait an Hour After Brushing
Are you in the habit of gulping down your morning coffee or soda immediately after brushing your teeth? Well, it might be time to break that routine. As tempting as it may be, consuming any liquid, including water, right after brushing your teeth can potentially do more harm than good. Here’s why: toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay but can also temporarily soften the enamel.
Drinking liquids immediately after brushing can wash away the fluoride and leave your enamel temporarily weakened, making your teeth more vulnerable to damage. So, next time you’re tempted to enjoy your favorite beverage right after brushing, exercise a bit of patience and wait an hour. It might seem like a long time, but it’s a small sacrifice for maintaining a healthy and strong smile. In the meantime, you can use that hour for other activities, such as catching up on reading or enjoying some quiet time.