When should you brush your teeth in the morning—before or after breakfast? Opinions are divided. Researchers at a well-known dental care company offer a clear answer.
So, what does science say?
People who brush before breakfast say it helps them start the day feeling clean and fresh. Those who brush after breakfast argue there’s no point in cleaning right after waking up only to dirty the mouth with toast or cereal.
The experts’ answer is clear: brush before breakfast. “You wouldn’t want to drink orange juice with a hint of minty toothpaste in your mouth, would you? For your teeth, though, that’s actually the healthier choice,” the researchers say.
Here’s how they justify their approach to this morning routine: “Upon waking you may notice bad breath, which indicates a buildup of bacteria that multiplied overnight. Brushing before eating removes these bacteria and stimulates saliva production, while the fluoride in toothpaste creates a protective barrier on the surface of your teeth.”
The experts say brushing after breakfast can do more harm than good: “When you brush right after eating, you might think you’re removing bacteria before they attack your enamel. But that can actually cause more damage to your teeth.”
They strongly discourage cleaning your mouth right after eating acidic foods. In those cases, wait at least 30 minutes—preferably an hour, the Daily Mail reports.
“Foods containing citric acid—like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons—soften tooth enamel, and brushing immediately afterward can cause further damage,” they add.
How to Brush Your Teeth Properly?
We usually learn these rules in kindergarten, but it’s worth repeating at any age. So here they are:
- Wet the toothbrush with water.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Gently massage your teeth with the brush for two minutes using short circular motions.
- Clean your tongue with the same brush or a tongue scraper.
- Spit out the toothpaste and rinse your mouth.
- Clean between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental brush.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Key Takeaways
According to experts, brushing right after waking up is better than brushing after breakfast because it helps protect your enamel.
If you need to brush after breakfast, wait 30 to 60 minutes.
“Whether you brush before or after breakfast, both are better than not brushing at all,” the researchers conclude.
