Morning smile: Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?
Most people you encounter will say that it’s better to brush your teeth after breakfast. It seems like common sense, because you’re presumably removing all the food particles from your teeth. However, it’s actually healthier to brush your teeth before having your morning meal. Here we explore the reasons why, and how you can avoid the harmful effects of acid in foods.
Plaque forms overnight
It’s common knowledge that you should brush your teeth twice a day, to remove the bacteria that forms in your mouth. But did you know that plaque form when you sleep? Plaque is bacteria that sticks to your teeth and it continues to build-up throughout the night, even if you have brushed your teeth before bed. If you brush your teeth as soon as you wake up, you’ll wash away the plaque build-up, and add a protective layer of floricide on your teeth. This layer will reduce the effects of acids and sugars you consume at breakfast time.
Brushing after a meal may cause tooth enamel erosion
If you brush immediately after a meal, you can risk scrubbing away acid-softeners on your enamel with your toothbrush. Brushing before breakfast will help protect your teeth against the sugary and acidic cereals. Cleaning your teeth before eating removes as much bacteria as possible, before “feeding” them even more with food you consume at breakfast time. Consider only eating nutritious foods at breakfast, that are low in carbohydrates and sugar. This will limit the harmful effects that acidic foods can create.
After breakfast?
Even if you’ve brushed your teeth before you eat, make sure you still rinse out your mouth after breakfast, using a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Alternatively, if you really want to brush your teeth after breakfast, you should wait at least thirty minutes before doing so. You need to give your saliva time to lower the Ph levels in your mouth. After you eat, your enamel is in a weekend state, so you should give your mouth time to recover. Scrubbing your teeth immediately after eating, or brushing too hard can hurt your teeth. Always brush appropriately and take your time.
If you have any questions about how to improve your dental hygiene routine, or whether there are any simple ways you can improve your smile, get in touch in with the Pure Smiles team. Book a hygiene appointment online at one of our two practices online today, at either our Fulham Road or New King’s Road addresses.
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