Can you spot the error in this article?

Kerensa said:

Ummm... isn't toothpaste usually alkaline, so that it neutralises the food acids that can damage teeth??

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Not all, according to this study.

Is Toothpaste an Acid or Base?

Kerensa said:

Interesting! Well, I don't take too much notice of exactly how long it is between eating and brushing my teeth, and they're all still in good condition. I don't regularly drink orange juice in the morning anyway... So what was the error in the article, then?

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I'll reveal it after others have had a chance to reply (73 views and only one reply...not good).

Are you English? We joke about the poor dentistry of the English.

Compare this article, also by the America Dental Association, with the op. Big difference.

How Bacterial Plaque Causes Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Kerensa said:

Well, the first article is saying that the acid from citrus fruit etc. softens your tooth enamel, which can then be damaged if you brush too soon afterwards. The second article is saying that it's the bacteria sticking to your teeth (plaque) that produce acids that attack the enamel. Certainly the second one is what I was always taught about oral hygiene. The first one sounds a bit far-fetched. Is there a specific error it's making that I've missed?



Nope. I'm an Aussie and my teeth are in very good condition, thanks.

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The second one is correct. You can't "wait at least an hour before brushing" and maintain good dental health. The damage is done within 20 minutes, if you brush after meals. The best option is to brush and floss before breakfast then thoroughly rinse your mouth after (avoiding sugary foods and drink of course) but few actually do this.

My fourth grade teacher had me and a girl classmate show our teeth to the class as a demonstration of nicely formed teeth opposed to not-so-nicely formed teeth; mine being the nicely formed example. She asked me when I brushed and I said "after meals". She remarked that she was surprised at this as she brushed before meals...which surprised me as I had never heard of such a thing. What's to brush away?, I thought.

Regarding the timing of brushing after meals it wasn't until I was in the Army and read this information posted on the entrance to the mess hall for all to see. It read "Bacterial plaque will cause teeth etching acids within 20 minutes of eating. If you cannot brush at least thoroughly rinse your mouth soon after eating."

I had never heard this from anyone, including my dentist.

Oops. Found another error by the American Dental Association. From this link,

How Bacterial Plaque Causes Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Flossing

"Flossing once a day is a must, because your toothbrush cannot reach all of the food and bacteria trapped between your teeth. By removing plaque and debris from these hard-to-reach surfaces (before it hardens into tartar), you reduce your risk for decay or gum disease. The best time to floss is before bed so that your mouth has fewer bacteria while sleeping – but if you prefer flossing in the mornings, that's okay too. If you find flossing awkward, ask your dentist about floss holders or other interdental cleaning devices that are available."

These small plastic floss holders insure that one cannot floss properly, if at all, and they are actually more awkward than other methods.

The "interdental cleaning devices" mentioned cannot replace proper string flossing as teeth are generally too tight for their use.

The most effective way to floss is the "middle finger wrap" technique. This ensures fresh floss every few teeth and full articulation to reach all teeth. Ask your hygienist to show you this technique if you don't already know it. It's really the only way to effectively floss your teeth.