Many morning routines consist of climbing out of bed, getting dressed, brushing your teeth and eating breakfast. But is this the best routine for your dental health? Some experts recommend brushing before breakfast for the benefit of your enamel, but sipping on orange juice or eating pancakes doesn’t usually go well with the aftertaste of toothpaste. It would make sense to brush afterward, wouldn’t it? Read on to find out how brushing your teeth before breakfast or waiting to brush until after you eat affect your oral health.
Brushing Your Teeth Before Breakfast
It is estimated that you have about 20 billion bacteria in your mouth at any given time. While you sleep, they can multiply to 5 times that throughout the night. This is why you wake up with morning breath. Brushing at the start of your day encourages the production of saliva, a powerful tool for your oral health.
Saliva is filled with proteins and minerals that help breakdown food for digestion. It also neutralizes the acid on your teeth from leftover food and bacteria and helps remineralize and restore your enamel after you eat. This means your favorite breakfast items won’t be as damaging to your teeth.
Brushing Your Teeth After Breakfast
Many dentists recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. If you allot enough time in your morning routine to eat and wait to brush your teeth, then this option doesn’t pose too much of a risk. After you eat, your teeth are covered in acidic food and bacteria that soften your enamel. If you brush immediately after a meal, would spread the acids around even more, weakening your enamel and making it vulnerable to damage.
Regardless of whether you brush your teeth before or after breakfast, just make sure to brush your teeth at some point during the morning. Brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once and visiting your dentist on a regular basis is the best way to keep your oral health on the right track. If you’d like to know whether you should brush before or after you sit down for breakfast, your dentist can help.
About the Practice
For 50 years, Painesville Dental Group has proudly provided patients with comprehensive dental care to fit their individual needs. With a team of 8 dentists on staff, the combined knowledge and experience that Painesville Dental Group offers a wide range of services, including preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and more. If it’s time for your regular exam and checkup, contact the office at (440) 354-2183 or visit the website to schedule your appointment today!