When we go to the dentist or by just reading books about our dental health, it is always part of a healthy oral routine to brush our teeth. In fact, children of all ages may have seen a video or two of nursery rhymes that add brushing the teeth as one of their daily habits. By keeping your teeth healthy, it makes your smile brighter and your overall health better. It is no surprise that all of us know its importance. But have you ever wondered if brushing your teeth before or after a meal will make a difference? Do you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? Would it really make a difference, and which is better?
‘Do you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?’
Dentists are other dental professionals advise their patients to brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. They should also include flossing and using mouthwash to make your routine more effective. They do not require any time or when you should do it, just a reminder to make it the last thing they do at night and make sure to brush their teeth during the day. But, if they were to answer the question ‘Do you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?’ their answer may be any time. However, if you want to brush your teeth after eating, make sure to do it 1 hour after eating.
Brushing before or after a meal: What’s the difference
As long as you are using a toothpaste with fluoride and you do it regularly, it doesn’t really matter what time of day you clean your teeth. You can be sure that your teeth are optimally protected from plaque and cavities. ‘Do you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?’ If we are to brush after eating, why do we have to wait a few minutes to an hour before cleaning our teeth? This is because of the chemicals that our food contains. If at breakfast, we are fond of eating acidic foods like fruits and juices, the acid that the food contains can affect the enamel of the surface of our teeth, making it more vulnerable to damage. It is then better to wait for our teeth to adapt and adjust to these chemicals and wait for our saliva to fully coat our teeth and neutralize the acids before brushing them. Or if you really need to choose, it is better to brush your teeth before eating, so that the bacteria that lingered while you are sleeping can be removed or lessen before you consume your food.
Tips on brushing your teeth
Aside from doing it at least twice a day, using a fluoridated toothpaste, and adding mouthwash and flossing (water picks or the traditional floss) to your routine, there are also some tips a dentist may give you to fully maximize your teeth protection.
- Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a medium to extra-soft one.
- Brush in an up-and-down motion rather than the sawing (side-to-side) one.
- After brushing, spit out the bubbles and excess toothpaste but don’t rinse to prevent the fluoride inside the mouth from washing it away.
