Important Tip! While you may think brushing your teeth right after a meal is a great idea, it actually can be harmful to your teeth. Sit at the table and chat for a few minutes, take a breather before heading off to brush. Why? Many of the foods and beverages we consume today have a low pH, creating a very acidic environment in the mouth. An acidic environment bathes the teeth in acid, making it very soluble and vulnerable to erosion. It is best to wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing after consuming any foods or beverages to allow the mouth to return to a neutral pH environment. This is especially true when drinking the ever popular energy drinks and soda.