After waking up in the morning, many people decide to brush their teeth after breakfast. The thought is that doing so cleans leftover food from your mouth and freshens your breath. Having your morning meal cling to your gums for hours doesn’t sound appealing. However, where does that leave brushing your teeth before breakfast?
Your Rancho Bernardo dentist has the answer. Listed below is a summary of why you should brush before breakfast, avoid brushing after it, and practice proper brushing tips.
Brushing Before Breakfast Helps Oral Health
Why it’s better to take the “before” approach has to do with bacteria.
You see, mouth bacteria grow and multiply at night while you sleep. This growth causes you to have a “mossy” taste or bad breath after you wake up.
When you brush your teeth right after waking with fluoride toothpaste, you wash away that bacteria along with your plaque. You also jumpstart your mouth’s saliva production, which reduces bacterial growth.
In short, brushing prior to eating anything leaves your mouth cleaner and healthier than it would be otherwise.
Brushing After Breakfast Can Hurt Oral Health
In contrast, brushing immediately after eating breakfast may harm your teeth. In particular, it would cover them with acidic food remnants that weaken enamel. Many breakfast staples — including orange juice, bread, and pastries — are some of the worst foods for tooth surfaces.
If you decide to brush afterward, try to wait thirty minutes to an hour after your meal. That way, you can ensure that you’re protecting your teeth rather than harming your enamel. As an extra precaution, you could drink water or chew sugar-free gum to pre-clean before brushing.
Proper Brushing Tips
While brushing’s timing is important, its technique is essential. Whether you use an electric toothbrush or a traditional manual one, follow these steps:
- Wet your toothbrush head with clean water before adding a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- While keeping your brush-head at a forty-five-degree angle to your gums, brush your front teeth with gentle and short circular strokes.
- Brush the outside surfaces of your teeth while ensuring you get the back molars and upper chewing areas.
- Flip your toothbrush upside down to get the inside surface of your top front teeth. Flip it back around to get the inside surface of your bottom front teeth.
- Spit out any leftover toothpaste and rinse your mouth with clean water.
If you aren’t already, try brushing your teeth right after you wake in the morning. With this minor change in routine, your oral health can make genuine improvements!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard is one of the top dentists in San Diego, California. One of only a few hundred to have become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he earned the distinction through clinical excellence and top-tier skill. He is also a proud recipient of an International College of Dentists Award. Dr. Howard currently practices at his self-titled clinic and can be reached at his website or by phone at (858)-451-0550.