There is a big debate in the morning about when you should brush your teeth: before or after breakfast? Some people say that brushing your teeth before eating will help remove any bacteria from your mouth and give you a fresh breath in the morning. Others say that it is better to brush your teeth after breakfast, so that you can remove any sugar and plaque that has built up overnight. Truthfully, most research doesn’t have a consensus one way or the other. At the end of the day, brushing before or after breakfast doesn’t matter as long as you remember to do it consistently. This is because the reason that most people get cavities and other dental problems is because of forgetting to brush or not brushing properly, not necessarily what order they brush in. This article will go over both sides of the debate, so you can make an informed decision about when it is best to brush your teeth.
Reasons to Brush Your Teeth Before Breakfast
You Get Rid of Bad Smells Before Breakfast
One of the main reasons to brush your teeth before breakfast is that you can get rid of any bad odors. When you sleep, and your mouth is closed, bacteria can grow and cause bad breath. Brushing your teeth first thing in the morning will help remove these particles and give you fresher breath for when you eat. This can be especially important to people who are social in the morning.
Increased Saliva Production Before You Eat
Saliva is important for washing away food particles and neutralizing acids. Saliva also helps your digestion, as it contains enzymes that help break down food. When you brush your teeth before breakfast, it can help stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth. This can help protect your teeth and keep them healthy while you eat breakfast. However, there is also vast amounts of research that show that seeing, smelling, or even thinking about food can also cause saliva production in the mouth.
Provides Protection Against Bacteria Before You Eat
The fluoride in your toothpaste can help provide a layer of protection against bacteria that can cause cavities and other dental issues. Brushing before breakfast helps make sure this layer of protection is in place before you eat. This can potentially provide slight protection from the food you eat, however, probably not to any significant level.
The Convenience of Being Near Your Bathroom in the Morning
Brushing your teeth before breakfast can also be a matter of convenience. Many people brush their teeth in the bathroom, and since it is closer to your bedroom than your kitchen, it is easier to do it before breakfast. This also helps you save time in the morning, as brushing your teeth can take a few minutes and you don’t want to be late.
Reasons to Brush Your Teeth After Breakfast
Removing Any Sugar and Plaque That Has Built Up After Breakfast
One reason to brush your teeth after breakfast is that you can remove any sugar or food that has built up after breakfast. Eating sugary foods can cause plaque to form on your teeth, and this can lead to cavities and other dental issues. Brushing your teeth after breakfast can help to remove any of these particles and keep your teeth healthy.
Make Sure Your Teeth Are Clean Before Going Out
If you are going someplace after breakfast, brushing your teeth afterwards can help ensure that your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh. This could be especially important if you are meeting someone or going to a job interview. Nobody wants to accidentally realize they have food in between their teeth at an important meeting. Brushing your teeth afterwards can help make sure that any food particles are removed, and your breath smells fresh. Alternatively, one could also check their teeth first in the mirror or use mouthwash before leaving.
Brushing Before You Eat Can Change Your Sense of Taste
Another reason to brush your teeth after breakfast is that brushing right before you eat can change the way food tastes. Toothpaste and fluoride can affect your taste buds, making food less enjoyable. Eating first and then brushing your teeth afterwards helps maintain the natural flavor of the food.
Proper Oral Hygiene and Consistent Brushing is What’s Important
At the end of the day, what dentists care most about is brushing and flossing each day consistently. While the research is less conclusive on when you should brush your teeth, we know for certain that brushing and flossing are important for keeping your teeth healthy and free from bacteria, decay, cavities, and bad breath. Whether you choose to brush before or after breakfast is up to you, but make sure that you brush twice a day and floss at least once daily.
In conclusion, while there can be benefits to either brushing your teeth before or after breakfast, the most important thing is to make sure you are brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily in order to maintain good oral hygiene. Depending on your personal preference and lifestyle, it can be beneficial to brush before or after breakfast, just make sure that you do it consistently.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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