Fact Check: Can brushing teeth right after eating sugar reverse cavities?

Hyderabad: A Facebook post claiming the possibility of reversal of tooth decay simply by brushing has gone viral on social media. The viral post reads, “Every time you eat sugar, your teeth are in danger for the next 20 minutes, so try brushing your teeth after eating sweets. Your cavities will gradually go away.”

Cavities and tooth decay are among the world’s most common health problems. They are especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants.

Tooth decay can happen at any age. But can it be reversed?

Fact Check

It is generally not advised to brush your teeth right after eating food. As per Mayoclinic, “If you have eaten an acidic food or drink, avoid brushing your teeth right away. These acids weaken tooth enamel, and brushing too soon can remove the enamel.” So over-brushing is also not recommended.

As per Mayoclinic, “Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes.” Additionally, cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.

A study by the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research suggests, “Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is a permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.”

An article from the WebMd states that, “Tooth decay is one of the most common dental health problems in children and adults. You can prevent and reverse tooth decay if you catch it early.”

In case there is decay in your teeth, don’t depend on brushing alone. Reach out to a nearby dentist. Decay or cavities can only be prevented but not reversed after a point of time.

According to an article by the Cleveland Clinic, “When tooth decay goes untreated for too long, you can lose a large portion of the tooth and need an extraction. Advanced tooth decay can lead to a severe infection inside the tooth and under the gums (tooth abscess). This infection can spread throughout the body. Rarely, infection from a tooth abscess can be fatal.”

Here are some of the best treatment options suggested by Healthline as soon as you see a cavity.

- Fillings: A resin or composite filling is used for smaller cavities.

- Inlays or onlays: These are used for cavities that are too large for a normal filling.

- Crowns: A metal or porcelain crown may be necessary when a cavity affects a larger portion of the tooth.

- Root canals: A root canal inserts filling material into the inner part of your tooth, known as the pulp. Root canals are used when the pulp is damaged or infected.

- Extractions: A tooth extraction is done when tooth decay can no longer be treated.

Hence, it is evident that cavities do permanent damage and can only be reversed at a very initial phase. Brushing after eating can do more damage than good. Hence the claim is misleading.