Brushing our teeth is part of our daily routine, and something we do everyday without fail. While dentists all across the world recommend that one should brush their teeth at least twice a day, many of us are lazy enough to skip the night brushing, which can truly be detrimental for one’s health. However, since everyone (at least) brushes once in the morning, have you ever wondered if you should brush before breakfast or after breakfast? Let’s dig deeper…
Why timing matters
The timing of brushing can affect how well it protects your teeth, especially around meals. Let’s look at what happens when you brush before or after breakfast.
Brushing before breakfast
Many dental experts recommend brushing your teeth before breakfast. Here’s why:
Removes overnight plaque: While you sleep, bacteria multiply in your mouth, creating plaque and causing morning bad breath. (yes, even if you have brushed in the night) Brushing first thing cleans away this buildup, leaving your mouth fresh.Protects your teeth during meals: When you brush before eating, a layer of fluoride from your toothpaste coats your teeth. This fluoride helps protect your enamel from acids in the food and drinks you consume during breakfast.Prevents acid damage: Some breakfast foods and drinks, like fruit juices or citrus fruits, are acidic. If you brush your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods, the acid softens your enamel temporarily, and brushing can wear it away. Brushing before breakfast avoids this risk.Healthy routine: Brushing first thing in the morning can help you stick to a consistent oral care routine, which is key for long-term dental health.
Brushing After Breakfast
Many people prefer brushing their teeth after breakfast because it feels cleaner to remove food particles and freshen their breath right after eating, just before they head to work. However, there are some important points to consider:Enamel erosion: After eating acidic foods or drinks, your tooth enamel becomes softer for about 20 to 30 minutes. Brushing immediately after breakfast during this time can damage the enamel, leading to sensitivity and decay.Wait time: If you choose to brush after breakfast, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes. This allows your saliva to neutralize acids and harden the enamel again, making brushing safer.Rinse your mouth: If you’re not brushing right away, rinsing your mouth with water after eating can help wash away acids and food particles.
What do dentists recommend
Most dentists suggest brushing your teeth twice a day: once in the morning and once before bed. Regarding the morning brushing, many recommend doing it before breakfast to protect enamel and reduce bacteria buildup.If you prefer brushing after breakfast, make sure to wait at least 30 minutes, especially if you consume acidic foods or drinks like orange juice, coffee, or yogurt. This waiting period helps protect your teeth from damage.
The case of mouthwash
Using mouthwash (and floss) can be a helpful addition to brushing, but it is not a replacement for brushing. Think of it as not taking a shower, but using perfume just to smell good. Similarly, mouthwash can freshen breath and kill some bacteria, but brushing physically removes plaque and food debris.If you brush before breakfast, using mouthwash afterward can help freshen your mouth after eating. If you brush after breakfast, mouthwash can be used at other times during the day, when brushing is not an option, especially at work. (source: Healthline)
