When it comes to taking care of your oral health, everyone knows what they should do, the problem is no one knows how they should do it. Don’t worry, we’re here to clear up some myths, and shed light on the facts, about daily dental routines to optimize your dental health.
For dentists, an age-old debate centers around whether people should brush their teeth before or after breakfast. Have you ever sat down and deeply wonder how to go about brushing your teeth? What direction to start the motion, whether to wet your brush before or after applying toothpaste or if to brush before or after breakfast. Probably not. However, new discoveries suggest that the order in which we perform our morning rituals (namely, teeth brushing) can impact the health of our teeth over the long haul.
When Is The Right Time To Brush Your Teeth?
Sure, brushing before breakfast makes sense because you’re getting rid of the bacteria responsible for gross morning breath and the plaque that builds on the enamel overnight. Consequently, brushing your teeth after breakfast allows you to remove the food particles left over from your delicious breakfast, as well as the built-up bacteria. Determining when to brush your teeth is generally based on personal preference and what you’re eating for breakfast.
What Effect Does The Food You Eat Have?
The enamel, known to be the hardest surface in our bodies, is weakened by acidic foods and drinks, and, as it turns out, many of our favourite breakfast foods have a high acidic content. This includes fruit juices, grains, sugar and processed foods.
Essentially, brushing your teeth immediately after an acidic breakfast, although it may seem like the most hygienic option, causes acid erosion which breaks down the enamel, eventually resulting in tooth decay and discolouration.
NOTE: Not all breakfast foods are acidic. There are many foods that taste great and are good for your teeth. Breakfast options such as cheeses, chia seeds, yogurts, spinach and any other that are high in calcium are better and gentler on your teeth.
The Safest Route To Healthy Teeth
If this sounds like too much information and you would like an easy way out, brush before breakfast. There is no downside to brushing your teeth first thing in the morning. Simply get out of bed, have a glass of water, then brush your teeth before breakfast.
Still concerned about having food particles in your teeth or tasting your breakfast until lunchtime? It’s easy - just rinse with water or a flavoured mouthwash and you’re good to go.
If brushing after breakfast is still your preference, you can:
- Avoid breakfast meals with high acidity
- Eat whatever you want but wait 30 minutes after your meal to brush
- Apply toothpaste with your finger and brush it off 30 minutes later to avoid the erosion the tooth surface
- Follow your highly acidic breakfast meal with foods that are high in calcium to counter the effects. Then brush your teeth.
Contact Us
Want to find out more about how your daily routine could be impacting your dental health? Visit our clinic at 1141-3800 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 2K2. Alternatively, you can contact us at (403) 248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.