Should You Brush Your Teeth Before or After Breakfast?

September 24, 2020

We all know the dental community recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day. But what about when to brush in the morning, before or after breakfast?

Many people who brush after breakfast say they prefer it because they want to avoid the unpleasant flavor that occurs when you drink orange juice after brushing with minty toothpaste and it clears debris left over from their meal and freshens their breath.

It turns out though it’s not a matter of preference. Many dental experts firmly endorse brushing before breakfast and even say that brushing afterwards has significant drawbacks and harm to your mouth’s overall health.

Why You Should Brush Before Breakfast

• Wake up your teeth as soon you wake up. Brushing first thing in the morning helps fight back against the plaque-causing bacteria that accumulates in your mouth while you sleep (this is what causes “morning breath”).
• Brushing first thing in the morning coats the enamel in your mouth with a protective shield from acids in foods or breakfast beverages, such as orange juice or coffee.
• Brushing your teeth gives a super-boost to saliva production. Saliva helps you break down food and kills harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Why You Shouldn’t Brush After Breakfast

• Brushing immediately after eating may actually cover your teeth with remnants of acidic food. Instead of ridding your mouth of post-breakfast debris, you may spread the risk throughout your mouth.
• Many breakfast staples, including pastries, fruits and juices, and coffee, are some of the most acidic foods we consume all day. Acidic foods weaken enamel.
• If you have to brush after you eat, try to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before doing so. In the meantime, you can drink water or chew sugar-free gum to refreshen your breath.

 

Your oral health is important, so make sure you do it right. Another important way to protect your teeth is with a dental plan from IRTA and AMBA. Learn more at www.AMBAdentalvision.com or call 877-556-4578.

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