Before or after the meal? A dentist finally resolves this great morning dilemma and reveals why your current routine may be weakening your teeth.
It’s the first dilemma of the day, the one that divides everyone when they get out of bed: should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? For some, the idea of drinking orange juice that tastes like mint toothpaste is complete heresy. For others, swallowing toast with bacteria accumulated overnight seems unthinkable. So who is right? A dentist has answered the question, and his answer may shake up your morning habits.
For years, the message has been the same: you eat, then you brush your teeth to remove food residue. This seems logical. However, the biological reality of our mouth is a little more complex than a simple wipe after a meal. When we sleep, our saliva production decreases. However, saliva is the natural protector of our teeth: it regulates acidity and fights bacteria. When we wake up, our mouth is an ideal breeding ground for bacterial proliferation (hence the famous bad breath in the morning). But then, when is the perfect time to take out the toothbrush?
First, it is essential to understand a key concept which is that we consume so-called “acidic” products every morning without even realizing it. What is an acidic food for our teeth? It’s not just what stings the tongue. It is especially the one that lowers the pH of the mouth and temporarily attacks tooth enamel, making it more porous and fragile. Here are some examples: citrus fruits, red fruits, coffee, tea and sweet products such as jam or certain industrial cereals.
So, should you brush before or after? The dentist has a clear opinion: it depends, but there is a golden rule.
The absolute ideal is to brush your teeth 30 minutes after breakfast. Why this delay? Because when you eat, your enamel temporarily weakens. If you brush immediately after eating, you will literally “rub” the acid against your teeth and wear away your enamel. Waiting 30 minutes allows the saliva to do its job, neutralizing the acidity and remineralizing the teeth.
The problem is that in the morning we are all chasing time. Waiting half an hour with your watch in hand is often impossible. If you don’t have time to wait, the dentist explains that it’s best to brush your teeth BEFORE breakfast. This is especially true if you consume an acidic menu. By brushing your teeth when you wake up, you eliminate bacteria before they feed on your meal, and you deposit a protective layer of fluoride on your teeth, protecting them from the acid attack that will follow.
One last tip if you choose the “before” option: simply rinse your mouth with a large glass of water after eating to remove any bits of food. Your teeth will thank you!
