Why don't dentists tell us what I learned in nursing school- that the bacteria in your mouth (that causes decay) begins growing within 10 minutes after eating and thus we should brush our teeth immediately after leaving the table. I have followed that guidance for _________ years now (not telling...) and almost never have a cavity.

I know an elderly lady who read a book decades ago stating that you should drink a good quantity a half hour before meals. Then it leaves you hydrated and you can eat without drinking, which was the writer's, a doctor's, cure for arthritis. She said that upon starting the practice, the swelling in her joints went away and she stayed with it all these years. Let me tell you, that lady is amazing! At 95 she bounces down to pick up some younger person's dropped item like a kid. She took up surfing at 70! Besides the drinking rule, she has also exercised every day for decades. Makes it seem all worth while.

kesach, My dentist is a commando dentist and has always told me to brush right after eating, stop snacking so much and lay off citrus drinks all of which damage your tooth enamel. But do I listen -- not too often.

Good for him! I let my dentists know, over the years, what they should be telling their patients, since they don't! I guess I got upset when I asked the dentist to tell my little boys when they should brush their teeth and he told them.... "when you get up in the morning and before bed." That leaves their meals to rot their teeth! Grrrr! And I thought he would say something wise, they would look up to him and do it.