While we still may not be able to figure out whether the chicken or the egg came first, the good news is that we do know if it’s better to brush our teeth before or after breakfast. Here’s a closer look at the perfect timing for your morning oral hygiene routine, and why sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for!
Should I Brush Before or After Breakfast?
Although it may seem more logical to brush your teeth after eating your first meal of the morning, the truth is it’s more beneficial to your smile to do it first. That’s because when you wake up, your teeth and gums are coated with nasty bacteria that leave your mouth feeling gross and your breath smelling foul. By cleaning them away immediately, you not only remove this dangerous biofilm, but you also provide protection for your smile that can last for hours.
How Breakfast Can Hurt Your Smile
No matter if you’re having a delicious glass of fresh-squeezed juice, a piping hot cup of coffee, a bowl of cereal, or freshly cooked bacon and eggs, by brushing and flossing prior to eating, you are safeguarding your smile against the sugars and acids in your food. You’re also boosting your saliva production, which not only aids in chewing and keeping your teeth clean, but assists in the digestion process, too!
Cleaning Your Teeth After Eating
While it is still important to brush your teeth a second time each day (preferably before going to bed) you are always welcome to brush a third time or more. In fact, if you still want to clean your mouth after breakfast, there’s technically no downside to it. However, because the acid from certain foods can temporarily weaken tooth enamel, it is recommended that you wait about 30 minutes to an hour after eating to do so. This gives your pearly whites adequate time to re-harden, so you don’t damage them with your toothbrush when you scrub. If your teeth feel dirty before the 30-minute mark, try a piece sugar-free gum to tide you over, as it won’t put your teeth at risk while you chew.
Remember, while we may not have figured out if the chicken or egg came first, we do know that it’s best to brush your teeth first thing in the morning, before you’ve eaten or drank anything that could put your smile at risk. To learn more about how to safeguard your gorgeous grin and to ensure that it stays healthy and strong for a lifetime, don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months for your regular, preventive exams and cleanings, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns that arise in the meantime.
About Our Practice
At Smiles in Shelby, Dr. Van de Vyver and Dr. Leppek want to take the mystery out of oral health. Whether you have questions, concerns, or just need a routine checkup and cleaning, we’re here to help. To book your visit, or to discuss any aspect of oral health, visit our website or call us today at 586-677-2828.