Should You Brush Your Teeth Before or After Breakfast?

You probably already know that you should brush your teeth twice a day. But there’s an age-old debate about whether you should brush before or after breakfast. Your personal preference probably depends on your schedule and what’s most convenient for you. But is one actually better than the other?

Brushing Your Teeth Before Breakfast

While you sleep, plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth multiply, causing morning breath and that foul taste when you first wake up. Plaque uses the foods you eat to produce more bacteria and acid byproducts. So eating with plaque on your teeth could increase your risk of enamel demineralization and cavities. That’s why it may be better to brush your teeth before breakfast and remove plaque before eating. Fluoride toothpaste also coats your enamel with a protective barrier against acid in your food. 

Brushing Your Teeth After Breakfast

The thinking behind brushing after breakfast is to clean the food off your teeth after a meal. However, if you brush your teeth immediately after eating, it scrubs around acids that are in your mouth. The American Dental Association recommends you wait 30-60 minutes after eating before you brush, especially after having acidic foods such as citrus, dried fruit, coffee, or toast. This is the best way to ensure you’re protecting your enamel. So, as long as you’re not at a high risk for cavities and you have time to let the acids neutralize, it’s okay to brush your teeth after you eat.

Whether it’s before or after breakfast, brushing anytime is better than not brushing at all!

Great Expressions Dental Center 

At Great Expressions, every one of our certified dentists are committed to helping you care for your teeth and get the smile you desire. We offer oral hygiene services, where your dentist will educate you on the best brushing practices and check for dental complications such as cavities. Schedule an appointment and save your smile.