Many people consider the morning routine to be a holy rite, but one debate that frequently comes up is whether brushing your teeth should be done before or after breakfast. While there are supporters of both the approaches, brushing your teeth before breakfast might be more beneficial to your oral health.
Why is it Beneficial to Brush Your Teeth Before Breakfast?
You have most likely had morning breath at some time in your life. This happens as a result of plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth growing as you sleep, leaving behind an unpleasant taste and odor when you wake up. Brushing your teeth as soon as you wake up helps in removing the dangerous germs and plaque from your teeth. Additionally, brushing creates a barrier that protects your teeth from the acids in food.
Here are a few more benefits of brushing before having your breakfast:
Protecting Enamel: Tooth enamel can be eroded by a variety of morning foods and drinks, especially acidic ones like coffee and orange juice. You can prevent acid damage by forming a protective barrier by brushing your teeth before breakfast.
Stimulate Saliva Production: Brushing your teeth can increase saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids, thereby preserving your dental health.
What If You Still Want to Brush Your Teeth After Breakfast?
You may still brush after breakfast if it suits your morning routine better, but there are a few things to consider. According to the American Dental Association, the best approach to make sure you’re protecting your teeth and not damaging your enamel is to wait 30 to 60 minutes after eating before brushing, especially if you’ve eaten something acidic. The acidic foods include coffee, citrus and toast.
Brushing just after breakfast may actually leave acidic food residue on your teeth, weakening the enamel. Some of the worst meals for dental enamel include breakfast mainstays, such as:
- Orange juice
- Citrus fruit
- Dried fruit
- Bread
- Pastries
How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?
It is recommended that you spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth twice a day to maintain the best possible oral health. You should try to remove plaque, a sticky layer of germs that can cause cavities and gum disease, within this time frame.
The Right Way to Brush
Here’s the right way to brush your teeth:
- Make sure you angle your brush at 45 degrees to the gum. Use short, overlapping strokes and angle your toothbrush downward where the gums meet the tooth
- Brushing too vigorously might harm your gums and teeth. Apply a little pressure and have faith that your toothbrush will do its intended function.
- As they say, don’t leave anything untried. Make sure to brush all of your teeth, including the biting and cheek sides, as well as the inside of your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Final Say!
I hope this blog has answered the age-old question of whether you should brush your teeth before or after breakfast. While both approaches are fine, you should try to make a habit of brushing your teeth before breakfast. It’s good for your enamel and overall health.
For further queries, visit Aava Dental. Call (818) 792-4500 to book your appointment.