Flu season comes with some quirkiness. The stomach’s acids may find their way into your mouth when you vomit. Compared to most acids, they can be more harmful to your mouth and teeth. Although you might want to brush your teeth right after you throw up, your dentist would recommend otherwise.
When Should You Brush Your Teeth After Vomiting?
It is recommended that you refrain from brushing your teeth for at least half an hour after vomiting. Your teeth may be exposed to stomach acid when you vomit, which can weaken tooth enamel. Brushing right away might cause further dental harm.
Why Should You Not Brush Your Teeth After Throwing Up?
Brushing just after vomiting is dangerous since it might erode enamel. Your teeth surfaces will be covered in leftover stomach acid from vomiting. Since stomach acid is so strong and acidic, brushing it against your enamel may hasten the acid erosion process. The mouth will usually buffer the acid and return the pH to neutral after half an hour has passed. That’s how long it takes for the acid to be neutralized in your mouth.
For reference, cavities can begin to develop when the pH falls below 5.5. Brushing immediately after vomiting will destroy your enamel because stomach acid is more acidic than that.
What to do After Vomiting?
The best ways to avoid damaging enamel when brushing after vomiting is using a baking soda, waiting the recommended amount of time, and brushing with remineralizing toothpaste. The following tips may also be of help:
- Rinse your mouth with water as soon as you vomit to lessen the amount of acid in your tongue and improve the flavor.
- To help stop the erosion of your enamel, try using a mouthwash that contains fluoride or essential oils instead of alcohol.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth after 30 minutes.
- If you’re throwing up because of a stomach ache, make sure you sterilize your toothbrush or replace it.
- To improve thin tooth enamel, use a fluoride gel.
- Schedule routine dental checkups with your dentist to learn how to prevent enamel erosion.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s important to see a dentist if you usually throw up or if you’re worried about your dental health. They can offer customized guidance and suggest ways to keep your teeth safe.
Summing Up!
If you have enamel erosion due to reflux or nausea, your dentist will be the first to notice it. After vomiting, brushing your teeth will only make the situation worse. Talk openly and honestly with them about your difficulties since they are there to support you.
Trust the expertise of Dr. Esteban Garza, DDS, MAGD, at Champions Dental to provide you with the finest dental health advice. You can call (281) 866-0442 to book your appointment.
