When to Brush Teeth After Meals

Do your teeth feel icky right after a meal or drink? Drop that toothbrush because it's healthier to wait before you scrub. Why? Because sugar and acid and food and drinks weakens enamel, your teeth's hard outer shell. Brushing too soon wears weak enamel away. This risk goes up after you've had soda, coffee, citrus fruit, pickles, and other acidic choices.

So what should you do? Simply wait to brush your teeth for at least half an hour after you've eaten or had a drink. You can clean your mouth with a glass of water or a stick of sugarless chewing gum in the meantime. Your teeth will thank you.