Brush your teeth before eating: protect your teeth from bacteria and acids
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that each person should brush their teeth at least twice a day, but not at a specific time in the morning.
Brushing your teeth immediately after waking up helps remove bacteria and plaque that accumulate overnight, while coating a layer of fluoride that protects tooth enamel from food acids. In addition, this action stimulates saliva secretion, an important factor in neutralizing acid and protecting the mouth.
However, if you choose this method, you need to rinse your mouth after eating to remove the remaining food debris.
Brushing teeth after eating: benefits and risks of tooth enamel
If I had to choose, I would prioritize brushing my teeth after breakfast to remove carbohydrates and sugar, says Susanne Kölare Jeffrey, associate clinical professor of restorative dentistry at the University of Washington.
However, experts note that you should not brush your teeth immediately. Foods, especially acidic foods and drinks such as orange juice or coffee, soften tooth enamel. If you brush your teeth immediately, you can accidentally erode tooth enamel.
Its best to wait about 3060 minutes after eating, until saliva is ready to neutralize acid and help tooth enamel return, explains Dr Peter Arsenault, professor of dental hygiene at Tufts University School of Dentistry.
While waiting, you can rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva secretion. If you can't delay, use a soft fur brush, gently brush with a fluoride toothpaste and keep the brush angle at 45 degrees from the gum border to minimize tooth enamel damage.
Prioritize regular routine, focus on evening hygiene
Whether you choose to brush your teeth before or after breakfast, the most important thing is to maintain a habit of brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
Experts also emphasize the importance of brushing your teeth in the evening. This is the time when the body secrete the least saliva, so bacteria can easily multiply. Brushing your teeth thoroughly before bed helps prevent tooth decay, reduce plaque and even helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by limiting inflammation spreading from the mouth.
In other words, both morning toothbrushing times are beneficial. The choice depends on personal habits, as long as you follow the correct technique and maintain it regularly.
