The sheer amount of food we scoop up over the festive period has reignited the age-old debate about whether people should brush their teeth before or after breakfast.
Now, if you didn't gain a few pounds over Christmas, then you weren't gaining weight properly.
The average Brit burns a whopping 5,905 calories on Christmas Day. This is about 4,000 calories more than the recommended amount.
While many people pay close attention to their waistlines as the new year begins, it's important to remember the damage overeating and the wrong foods can do to your teeth.
And whether you brush your teeth before or after breakfast can make a difference.
Dr Laurence Smith, a Bupa dentist from Briar Wallace practice in Knightsbridge, has given us some tips on how to keep your teeth healthy over the Christmas period.
If you're going to eat sweets, he recommends eating them immediately after meals instead of eating them throughout the day.
“Eating sugar increases acid production (from bacteria), which can lead to tooth decay,” he says. Said news.
“These products tend to be very acidic and provide food for the bacteria that live in your mouth.
“Sweet eaters end up eating sweets throughout the day, so they always have sugar on their teeth.
“This means that natural defenses such as saliva cannot cope with the amount ingested, and cavities form.”
Regarding the tooth-brushing debate, he said: “Brushing your teeth before breakfast can weaken your enamel, and consuming acidic and sugary foods afterwards can have negative effects.”
“Waiting 30 minutes after eating will rebalance the pH level of your saliva, remineralize your teeth, and help prevent cavities and periodontal disease.”
But if you can't brush your teeth after breakfast, Dr. Smith recommends using a “fluoride-enriched mouthwash” or a “soft-bristled toothbrush” before meals to minimize enamel wear. We suggest using .
However, you're in luck for wine drinkers, as dentists claim that white wine is better for your teeth than red wine, which can stain your teeth.
She also recommends avoiding sparkling wine as it has a high acidity.
Dr. Smith continued: “With unsweetened carbonated drinks, the problem for teeth is the acidity.
“Many of these drinks contain carbonation, which can weaken enamel if you drink it frequently. When it comes to sparkling water, it's carbonated and can have some erosive effects, but it's usually more effective than other soft drinks. It's not as acidic as the drink.
“For most people who maintain healthy dental hygiene habits, such as brushing their teeth regularly, there are few problems from drinking carbonated water.”
Meanwhile, the NHS doesn't seem to have any specific guidelines for when you should brush your teeth, other than “before bed” and the vague “one more time.”
According to the NHS website: 'Brush your teeth for about two minutes the last time before bed and once every day.
“Your dentist or hygienist may be able to give you further advice based on your own dental health and needs.
“Make sure to clean all the surfaces of all your teeth, which will take about two minutes.
“Remember to brush the inside and outside surfaces of your teeth, as well as your chewing surfaces.”
