Hygiene expert's 30-minute golden rule ensures your teeth stay in perfect health

09 June 2024 , 12:14

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The 30-minute rule must be followed (Stock Image) (Image: (Image: Getty))

We all know the drill when it comes to dental care.

Brushing twice daily, swishing mouthwash, and regular flossing are crucial for maintaining oral hygiene. However, it's easy to overlook the best practices for protecting our enamel.

TikTok hygiene guru Madame Sweat shared her top tips for optimal dental health in a recent video.

Madame Sweat advised: "Here's the plan. Wait until you finish dinner [to brush your teeth], but you must wait 30 minutes [...] because while you're eating there's a lot of acid in the mouth, and so your enamel is softened.

"So [you] want to wait until that has hardened again. Then you go and brush your teeth."

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She also cautioned against any post-brushing snacks as they could soften the enamel once more. In the comments section, reactions varied with one user saying: "Too many rules, I am tired."

Another said: "I can confirm this." A third simply added: "Thank you." Another TikTokker noted: "This also applies to vomiting. Don't brush right after. But people please always brush. Tired or not... always brush!" The video has racked up over 19,000 views on TikTok.

But what exactly is enamel? Pronamel explains: "[It's] the hard, shiny, white outer layer of your teeth that covers the underlying tissues.

"It's the hardest substance in the human body even stronger than bone and is made up almost entirely of minerals. These minerals give enamel its strength so it can protect your teeth from damage and help keep them looking bright, white and healthy."

Despite its toughness, enamel still requires care as it only forms a thin layer on each tooth. When enamel erodes, it exposes the inner layers of your teeth to the elements and the food and drink you consume, increasing their susceptibility to cavities.

Danielle Kate Wroe