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How Long After Eating Ice Cream Should I Brush My Teeth?

  • October 25, 2019
  • 4:44 pm
  • Dental Care
  • Foods, Toothbrush

While it’s still warm out, giving in to temptation for some ice cream from Andy’s or a trip to Pineapple Whip is completely understandable. We all have cravings for sugary snacks, and that’s okay. If you are conscious about your oral health, you may be tempted to brush your teeth right after dessert to help prevent cavities. However, you may actually do more damage to your enamel if you brush immediately after eating sugary snacks. 

Today, the dentists at Parkcrest Dental Group in Springfield, Missouri, will discuss post-dessert dental care and what you should do to best protect your smile from cavities.

How long should I wait before brushing my teeth after eating ice cream?

Wait at least 30 minutes.

Here’s why.

Believe it or not, sugar doesn’t cause cavities — at least not directly. Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria, such as Mutans streptococci (strep throat), and it is those bacteria that directly cause cavities. Sugar contributes to cavities because the bacteria process sugar into demineralizing acids that damage your tooth enamel and cause cavities. 

Anytime that we eat sugar, we expose our teeth to these acids. Sugar is like fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. The acid that is produced will break down your enamel, so it would be a mistake to immediately brush your teeth after eating. When you brush your teeth while acid is present, the abrasive brushing grinds the acid into the enamel, causing more damage. Instead, you should swish thoroughly with water to wash away as much acid as possible. After about 30 minutes, it will be safe to brush. 

Related Post: Common Acidic Foods That Damage Your Teeth

Why should I limit my snacking when it comes to ice cream?

Our mouths are designed to fend off the attacks of cavity-causing bacteria. However, a healthy mouth is only able to handle a few of these attacks each day. If you are constantly snacking, the healthy bacteria and saliva will be overwhelmed, resulting in the demineralization of your tooth enamel. 

While many health experts promote small, healthy meals throughout the day, this can prevent your saliva from reaching the natural balance it needs to fight off bacteria. Adding sugar into the mix only makes things more difficult. 

Enjoy your frozen custard or pineapple whip dessert, as long as you aren’t also eating multiple small meals or snacking throughout the day. If you consistently combine these behaviors, you may end up damaging your oral health.

Related Post: Healthy Snacks for Braces Wearers

What dentist in Springfield, Missouri, can help me with oral health?

Believe it or not, your dentists and oral hygienists are likely enjoying sweets this time of year as well. However, they know how to manage their oral health to avoid acid erosion and cavities. As long as you follow the above steps, and schedule regular visits to your dentist, you can have a happy, healthy smile.

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Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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