Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) as well as the Yuba City Dentistry Group. This regular routine prevents plaque buildup and removes food particles and bacteria, so your teeth and gums remain healthy and functional. Most people brush their teeth once in the morning and once before bed. When it comes to brushing in the morning, some people brush once they get up, and others brush after they eat breakfast. Does it matter when you brush your teeth in the morning?
Consider Your Morning Routine
Many individuals begin the day with coffee, tea, or even an energy drink. These drinks are typically harsh on the mouth with tannins that stain tooth surfaces and acids that erode enamel, the armor of your teeth. Additionally, many people enjoy donuts, muffins, or cereals for their breakfast. Foods like these often contain sugary mixtures that also contribute to the bacterial battle against your teeth. But that is one of the main reasons we brush out teeth in the morning – to ward off these bad influences, right?
Some people reason that if they brush their teeth after they eat breakfast, they can remove acids and remaining food particles, thereby preventing bacteria and plaque buildup. While it’s true that sugars from such foods and drinks accelerate plaque production, brushing right after you eat can put your teeth in danger. Acidic foods and drinks (like tomatoes, citrus fruits and their juices) weaken tooth enamel, softening it. If you brush your teeth immediately after any meal – breakfast or otherwise – the action may scrub enamel off your teeth (depending on the acidity of your meal), doing more harm than good. A simple solution is to wait fifteen minutes before brushing your teeth after a meal, or to wrap up with a good water rinse.
It is also perfectly acceptable to brush your teeth in the morning before you eat. This eliminates bacteria waiting for incoming breakfast foods and removes plaque while your tooth enamel is strong. Of course, you might not feel like eating breakfast right after getting your teeth clean and minty fresh, and that’s okay. Take the opportunity to adjust your schedule. Have breakfast in an hour or so and swish out your mouth with some water afterward. If you’d like to be especially thorough, gently brush your teeth once again to freshen your breath.
Your Teeth Are Precious
You only get two sets of teeth in your life, and you lose your first set before you’re a teenager. To make sure you keep your permanent set of teeth healthy and working properly, follow a good routine in oral hygiene. Include steps like the ones we listed here. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, supplemented with flossing daily. And never put off your semi-annual visits to the Yuba City Dentistry Group. Not only do we make sure your teeth, gums and mouth are staying at optimal health, but we detect and address any developing issues before they become a concern. Give our office a call, or you can use our online form to schedule an appointment – before or after breakfast.
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