Copyright The Oregonian
Q. I am a dental hygienist. Some of my patients report drinking apple cider vinegar with honey to ease joint pain. This is bad for the teeth. The sugar in honey speeds the formation of dental plaque and the acid in the vinegar breaks down the tooth surfaces. I urge these patients to rinse well, brush carefully and always floss! A. Your advice is sensible. We usually suggest people wait at least half an hour after sipping vinegar before brushing. Vinegar has a strong demineralizing effect on teeth (European Journal of Dentistry, October 2022). Brushing while the tooth surface is still affected by vinegar might be too abrasive. Regular brushing and flossing are important not only for oral health. These practices may also help prevent dementia (Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Oct. 16, 2025). Gum inflammation has been linked to cardiovascular disease, and good oral hygiene may help reduce it (Journal of Periodontology, Oct. 10, 2025). * * *
