It’s crucial to brush your teeth every morning, but there has long been disagreement about whether it is better to do it before or after breakfast. While it’s understandable that many people would rather wait until after they have eaten to brush their teeth, it’s actually more beneficial to brush before your morning meal. Here’s a brief guide to the oral health benefits of brushing your teeth before enjoying breakfast.
Why Should I Brush My Teeth Before Breakfast?
Even when you are sleeping, the harmful oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease continue to multiply, resulting in some people experiencing a mossy taste or morning breath upon waking up. Brushing before breakfast eliminates these accumulations while coating your teeth with a protective barrier to prevent acid from eroding your enamel when you eat. Brushing also stimulates saliva production, which naturally helps flush away food debris while killing harmful bacteria.
But I Like Brushing My Teeth After Breakfast!
Many people are in the habit of brushing their teeth after breakfast to eliminate uncomfortable food residue while preventing unpleasant odors from forming on their breath. While it’s still okay to brush after breakfast, there are a few points to keep in mind, including:
- It’s best to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. This gives your enamel some time to recover, allowing you to clean your teeth without wearing it away.
- If you eat any acidic foods with breakfast, it’s best to wait a full hour before brushing. Items like orange juice, citrus, and dried fruit are high in acid that weakens your enamel on contact, and brushing too soon can spread this acid around your teeth.
- Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum after eating are great ways to help your mouth flush itself clean of harmful residues.
Brushing in the morning is a great way to start your day with clean teeth and fresh breath. By knowing the best time to brush, you can help your smile stay in great shape for life.
About the Practice
Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton offers its patients the finest oral health services available. Led by Drs. Afshin Azmoodeh and Sohee Kim, the staff ensures that each patient receives effective and comfortable treatments in a clean and friendly office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more oral hygiene tips, contact the office online or dial (972) 820-7294.