why can you not brush teeth directly after eating fruit?!

Question: Why can you not brush teeth directly after eating fruit?

Someone told me that you cannot brush your teeth for half an hour after eating fruit. Why is this? Is it indeed true? Does the same apply to all fruits or just some? My daughter likes to eat fuit as a snack before bed but often I have to refuse as it is so close to bedtime.

Answers:

Because of the acid and sugar in the fruit. If you brush after eating fruit then you damage the enamel.You should always wait at least 30 mins after eating before brushing and leave at least an hour if you have had fruit, or other highly acidic food, because after eating the enamel on your teeth is temporarily softened and brushing your teeth in this vunerable state will harm them: you will literally brush away the enamel. Never brush your teeth after being sick as your stomach acid is particularly strong. After 30 mins to an hour your teeth will have remineralised and will be safe to brush.

It's not just fruit. You should avoid brushing your teeth after any meal.

Experts suggest that acid in food and drink can make tooth enamel soft and using a toothbrush straight after eating can scratch the surface of the teeth and wear them down.

Fruit such as oranges may have also a higher acidity then other foods making the problem even worse after eating some fruits.

http://www.news-medical.net/news/2008/07/02/39666.aspx
http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/prevent-acid-erosion-in-your-teeth-845042.html

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why can you not brush teeth directly after eating fruit?!

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