Gaby
When should you brush your teeth in the morning—before or after breakfast? Opinions on this matter are divided. Researchers from a well-known dental care company have provided an expert answer.
So, what does science say?
People who brush their teeth before breakfast argue that it helps them start the day feeling clean and fresh. On the other hand, those who brush after breakfast believe there’s no point in cleaning their teeth right after waking up, only to dirty their mouths with toast or cereal.
The experts’ answer is clear: it’s better to brush your teeth before breakfast. “You wouldn’t want to drink orange juice with a hint of minty toothpaste in your mouth, would you? However, for your teeth, that’s actually the healthier choice!” say the researchers.
Here’s how they justify their approach to this important morning routine: “Upon waking, you may notice bad breath, which indicates a buildup of bacteria that multiplied overnight. Brushing your teeth before eating will eliminate these bacteria and stimulate saliva production, while the fluoride in toothpaste creates a protective barrier on the surface of your teeth.”
According to the experts, brushing your teeth after breakfast can do more harm than good: “When you brush your teeth right after eating, you might think you’re getting rid of bacteria before they attack your enamel. However, this can actually cause even more damage to your teeth.”
It’s highly discouraged to clean your mouth after eating if you’ve consumed something acidic. In such cases, it’s best to wait at least half an hour, preferably an hour, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The reason is that “foods containing citric acid, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, weaken tooth enamel, and brushing your teeth after breakfast can further damage it.”
How to Brush Your Teeth Properly?
We usually learn these rules in kindergarten, but it’s worth repeating at any age. So here they are:
- Wet the toothbrush with water.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Gently massage your teeth with the brush for two minutes using short circular motions.
- Clean your tongue with the same brush or a special scraper.
- Spit out the toothpaste and rinse your mouth.
- Don’t forget to clean between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental brush.
- Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash (!).
Key Takeaways
So, according to experts, brushing your teeth right after waking up is better than doing so after breakfast. This way, your enamel is better protected from damage.
If you need to brush your teeth after breakfast, it should be done 30 to 60 minutes later.
“Whether you brush your teeth before or after breakfast, both options are better than not brushing at all!” the researchers concluded.
