MOUTH: THE PROTECTION SHIELD OF OUR BODY
When asked how to protect our oral health, our answer would be regularly brushing our teeth. When asked how often, this time the answer would be after every meal. Is this how it should be?
DENTAL MINE AND SALIVA
There are a few basic defensive systems in our mouths against decaying. One of them is the dentine layer which covers tooth surface. Another one is saliva. Saliva contains some of the enzyms that are found in detergents. It also includes some antibacterial substances. Because of these antibacterials, scars inside the mouth heal twice as fast as scars on skin.
ACIDIC ENVIRONMENT IN THE MOUTH
After we eat, we need to give a little time to our defensive system. The acidic environment in the mouth after eating causes temporary softening of the dentine layer. Brushing your teeth right after eating causes abrasion on your dentine layer. You should wait for 30-60 minutes after eating before you brush.
Especially orange juice consumed at breakfast and cola at lunch cause the acid level to increase.