Dentists say you should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes. Although there are no recommendations for what time is best for brushing your teeth, some people prefer brushing their teeth before bed at night, and others prefer brushing their teeth after waking up in the morning. It is not preferred to have minty toothpaste before drinking orange juice for breakfast; some experts say it is the best option for your smile health. If you have dental problems and it does not go away on their own, contact gentle dentistry in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Should I brush my teeth before or after breakfast?
You have probably experienced morning breath at some point in your life. It occurs because when you sleep, the plaque-causing bacteria inside your mouth multiply and leave an unpleasant odor and taste when you wake up. Brushing your teeth after waking up helps eliminate harmful plaque and bacteria. It also coats the teeth with a protective barrier from the acids in your food.
Brushing teeth before breakfast is a good choice because one should wait at least 30 minutes before intaking acidic foods. So if you eat and brush your teeth afterward, you could damage your enamel, which has been softened due to morning toast, coffee, or juice.
There are a few reasons why you should brush your teeth before breakfast.
- Reduce plaque and bacteria buildup.
The bacteria that builds up in the mouth while you sleep at night gets eliminated when you brush your teeth in the morning before breakfast, reducing the risk of dental problems.
- Freshen your breath
Brushing teeth before breakfast freshens your mouth and breathing, making it feel refreshed and clean.
- Protect the tooth enamel.
If you consume acidic foods for breakfast, brushing your teeth after can seriously damage the tooth enamel. Brushing teeth before breakfast can protect your enamel from damage.
Can I Still Brush My Teeth After Breakfast?
Yes, you can brush your teeth after breakfast. If you have consumed acidic food or drinks for breakfast, leave a gap of 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. It is because such acidic foods and drinks soften the tooth enamel and can cause further damage if brushed.
Waiting for 30 minutes allows the saliva to neutralize the acid in our mouth and for the enamel to harden before brushing. It helps protect the teeth from the actions of the toothbrush and prevent further damage.
