You’ve been told your whole life to brush your teeth twice a day. If you’re like most, this habit probably occurs in the morning and at night. However, how do you know if you’re brushing at the correct time? Should you brush before or after your breakfast? It may be surprising but brushing your teeth before breakfast has its advantages. Read on to learn more about the best time to clean your teeth and why waiting until after your meal could actually damage your smile.
Why Brush Before Breakfast?
While you sleep, plaque and bacteria in the mouth grow because you’re not producing as much saliva as normal, which naturally keeps your mouth clean. That’s why you may wake up with “morning breath” or a bad taste in your mouth. Brushing before breakfast allows you to wash out these germs while giving your smile a protective coating of fluoride. As an added benefit, brushing to start your day gives your saliva production a boost that helps keep your mouth clean!
The Dangers of Brushing After Breakfast
While brushing your teeth at any time in the morning is better than none at all, you should be aware of some of the risks that can affect your smile. Brushing right after breakfast can cover your teeth with the remnants of the food you just ate, weakening your enamel. Many common breakfast items are some of the worst foods when it comes to damaging your smile, including:
- Citrus fruit
- Orange juice
- Bread
- Dried fruit
- Pastries
Sometimes, your schedule may cause you to brush after you eat. If this is the case, don’t worry! Just wait 30 minutes after eating to save your teeth from potential damage. However, if you eat acidic foods like fruits or juice for breakfast, you should wait at least an hour to brush.
The Right Way to Brush
Knowing the right time to brush is only part of the equation! In fact, another important aspect of oral healthcare at home is to know the correct way to use your toothbrush. You should make sure that you’re brushing for 2 minutes each session, carefully paying attention to each side of your smile and your gums. Angle your brush head at 45-degrees for the most thorough cleaning, especially along your gumline. After brushing, spit out the leftover toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water. But, if you don’t mind your teeth coated in toothpaste, you can skip rinsing your mouth and give your smile an extra layer of protection!
Ready to keep your smile as healthy and beautiful as possible? Combine your twice a day brushing with your new morning oral hygiene tips to make it happen!
About the Practice
At Westgate Dental Care, our team of 5 expert dentists are committed to keeping their patients healthy and happy by providing thorough checkups and cleanings. They offer a wide range of dental services for you and your entire family. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or by phone at (847) 577-7171.