20 minutes after a meal is the prime time to prevent tooth decay

Dental experts point out that the 20 minutes after meals and snacks are the prime time to protect oral health, and that school-age children, who mainly brush their teeth in the morning and evening, cannot meet this need. Within 20 minutes after a meal or snack, chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva secretion, maintain oral pH balance, and avoid acid damage to teeth. Studies have shown that the amount of saliva secretion can reach 12 times the usual amount in the first minute of chewing sugar-free gum, and chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can stimulate increased saliva secretion and faster flow rate.

However, experts also warn that proper chewing of sugar-free gum is only one part of the dental care, and that in order to truly have healthy teeth, it is also necessary to develop good teeth cleaning habits.

To prevent tooth decay, we must not only develop good brushing habits, but also pay attention to the way we brush our teeth. If brushing is not done properly, it can also cause malaise, with the most common damage being tooth surface wear and gum recession. A person's ability to brush their teeth well depends largely on the dexterity of their hands. Although everyone has a clumsy way to brush their teeth, the average person can use a toothbrush to clean their mouth effectively if they are given sufficient inducement. Children who are slow and impatient to cope with complex brushing techniques should be taught to use simpler brushing techniques. For people with disabilities, they may need a toothbrush with a modified handle design for easier grip, or an electric toothbrush.