Is It Better to Brush Before or After Breakfast?

We all have our morning oral hygiene routine. Some of us prefer to brush and floss our teeth before breakfast, and others prefer to do so after breakfast. Did you know many dentists recommend brushing before breakfast, rather than after? Before we explore this topic, let’s first look at your oral health while you sleep.

Your oral health while you sleep

Below are ways harmful bacteria can take advantage of your mouth while you sleep.

• Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film that is always forming on your teeth. Bacteria in dental plaque produce acids that attack the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth.
• Saliva helps neutralize harmful acid attacks. During the waking hours, your salivary glands are more active. During sleep, your mouth produces less saliva. This allows dental plaque to accumulate overnight.
• It is important to note that if you skip brushing before bed, bacteria thrive in your mouth while you sleep.

Why do many dentists recommend brushing your teeth before eating breakfast?

Dentists share their top reasons for brushing before breakfast.

• Brushing as soon as you wake up helps remove harmful plaque before it feeds on breakfast foods and beverages.
• Brushing with fluoride toothpaste protects the tooth enamel. This helps create a protective barrier against acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and juices, as well as coffee.
• Brushing right after consuming acidic foods can weaken the tooth enamel.

Brushing before breakfast

Some people brush and floss as soon as they wake up. They prefer a cleaner feeling mouth and fresher breath first thing in the morning. Food residue from breakfast foods can leave those who brush before eating feeling like their mouths are not clean. Below are tips for a cleaner feeling mouth and fresher breath.

• Swish your mouth with plain water a few times to help remove food residue from your teeth and food particles between your teeth.
• Chew sugarless, preferably xylitol-containing gum. Chewing helps increase saliva flow. Saliva helps wash away food residue and neutralize the acids.

Brushing after breakfast

Some people like to brush their teeth right after having breakfast. They enjoy the feeling of a clean mouth after a meal. Brushing removes food particles that get trapped in the grooves of teeth, between the teeth, and along the gumline. Dental experts share the following dental care tips for better oral health.

Wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after eating. Brushing right after eating acidic foods can weaken the tooth enamel. It can also lead to tooth sensitivity. Try rinsing your mouth with water before you brush.

Avoid brushing too hard. Overbrushing can lead to gum recession and wear away the tooth enamel, leaving teeth more prone to cavities. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush.

Wait on the rinse. After brushing, spit out excess toothpaste, but do not rinse with water right away. This allows fluoride to remain on your teeth to protect them from cavities.

Remember to floss. Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth to maintain a healthy mouth. Some dentists recommend flossing before brushing. This prevents fluoride from being removed between your teeth, providing extra protection against tooth decay.

Proper dental care habits can help you maintain a healthy smile before or after breakfast

A proper morning oral hygiene routine includes brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. If your routine is before breakfast, rinse your mouth with plain water after you eat to help remove food particles. If your routine is after breakfast, it is best to wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages to avoid damaging tooth enamel.