Stomach bugs, food poisoning, morning sickness, chemotherapy, or an eating disorder can make you vomit. You might feel the urge to brush your teeth after throwing up. However, brushing right after throwing up can do more harm than good. So, you might consider asking your dentist, “How long after throwing up can I brush my teeth?” After 30 minutes, let’s explain why.
Teeth Feel Weird After Vomiting
Your teeth can feel strange after throwing up, as the stomach acids negatively affect them. Stomach acids are very harmful to tooth enamel. For example, people with untreated acid reflux often have permanent enamel damage on their teeth. The acid wears down the enamel, making it erode over time.
When you throw up, the same stomach acid enters your mouth. You will want to get rid of the bad taste. However, brushing your teeth right after isn’t the solution. This is because brushing spreads the acid all over your teeth. This makes enamel erosion and cavities worse.
While it’s important to limit acid exposure to your teeth, regular brushing isn’t the best option. This is especially true if you often deal with nausea or have recurring acid exposure.
People who vomit frequently, like those living with bulimia nervosa. They often have thinning enamel on their upper front teeth. These teeth might start to look yellow or become sensitive over time because of the enamel erosion.
What to Do After Throwing Up?
So, what can you do if you don’t brush your teeth right after throwing up? Instead, use water and baking soda. Swish this mixture in your mouth briefly, then spit it out. The baking soda helps neutralize the acids, giving your teeth better protection.
If you’re dealing with food insecurity, talk to your dentist about ways to improve your oral health as part of your overall plan to address this issue. Everything you discuss with them is confidential.
To help reduce acid and protect your teeth between brushing, chew gum, or sugar-free cough drops that contain xylitol. This can also help boost healthy saliva production and prevent dental erosion.
How to Prevent Stomach Acids from Causing Tooth Decay?
Acid reflux, or GERD, can cause stomach acid to rise into your mouth. This leads to tooth erosion and decay. Following are some tips to protect your teeth from stomach acid:
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene:
- Visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food and plaque.
Use Fluoride Dental Products:
- Strengthen your enamel with fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Consider using products with stannous fluoride to help reduce erosion.
Boost Saliva Production:
- Chew sugar-free gum, especially after meals, to increase saliva flow.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Neutralize Acid in Your Mouth:
- Rinse with water or a baking soda solution after acid reflux episodes.
- Eat a piece of cheese or drink milk to help neutralize acids.
Time Your Brushing:
- Wait at least an hour after eating before brushing your teeth. This is because acids can soften your enamel.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently.
Concluding Thoughts
If you ask your dentist, “How long after throwing up can I brush my teeth?” They will surely advise you to wait for 30 minutes. This is to prevent you from spreading stomach acids all over your teeth and causing cavities.
Visit our oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Katy Cypress Oral Surgery. Our skilled dentists can resolve your minor to major dental issues to restore your oral health. Call us at (281) 667-0607 for an appointment.