As we age, our dental health becomes even more crucial to our overall well-being. Maintaining a healthy mouth is not just about a dazzling smile; it’s about preserving the ability to enjoy the foods we love and avoiding discomfort or dental complications.
One question that often pops up in oral hygiene discussions is whether brushing your teeth before or after breakfast is better. It seems like a simple query, but the answer is more nuanced than expected.
The great debate: Timing your toothbrushing
The debate over the best time to brush has been ongoing, with different cultures and dental professionals offering varied advice.
According to Santosh Kumar Tadakamadla, professor and discipline lead of dentistry and oral health at La Trobe University, ‘There is no uniform guidance from professional organisations on the timing of brushing’
‘In some cultures, people prefer to brush before breakfast, while in others, brushing after breakfast is preferred.’
Their reasons varied from wanting to eliminate morning bad breath to avoiding a minty interference with the taste of their breakfast.
Those who brushed before breakfast cited reasons such as advice they’d read, having breakfast at work, or not wanting to swallow the overnight buildup in their mouth.
The evidence is in: pros and cons
The advice from dental authorities can be conflicting. Some, like the American Dental Association, suggest brushing right after waking up to make it a non-negotiable part of your morning routine.
This practice ‘helps flush off the harmful bacteria from teeth, increases saliva flow and forms a protective fluoride layer on the teeth’, the professor said.
On the flip side, several Australian agencies recommend brushing after breakfast as it offers ‘similar benefits’ as brushing before meals. Only the effects last longer.
Arosha Weerakoon, a dental practice owner and senior lecturer at the University of Queensland, acknowledges the benefits of both.
Personalising your dental care
Both Professor Tadakamadla and Dr Weerakoon generally advise their patients to brush after breakfast to avoid the acidic environment that can promote bacterial growth.
‘When someone eats after brushing’, Professor Tadakamadla said, ’the saliva could become acidic, and the food particles that remain in the oral cavity also promote the growth of bacteria’.
However, they also recognise that brushing before breakfast has its place, especially for those who may not have the opportunity to brush after eating.
Rinsing with water after a meal can help neutralise the mouth’s pH and remove food particles.
For those who consume acidic breakfasts, like fruit smoothies, brushing immediately afterwards can ’cause more harm than good’ to tooth enamel.
Waiting at least 15 minutes before brushing can mitigate this risk. And for the busy bees who eat on the go, keeping a toothbrush and paste at work is a practical solution.
The golden rule: Brushing frequency
Regardless of when you choose to brush, doing it twice a day is essential. The fluoride in toothpaste is vital in preventing tooth decay, and a two-minute brush twice daily is the general guideline.
The most critical brushing session is before bed, as saliva production decreases during sleep, leaving teeth more vulnerable to decay.
‘If you go to bed with food particles stuck between teeth, and saliva, which is your protective system, stops working, then you are more likely to develop holes,’ Professor Tadakamadla said.
But can you overbrush?
While it might be tempting to brush more often to keep bacteria at bay, overbrushing can lead to tooth surface damage. Unless you’re at high risk of tooth decay, twice a day should suffice.
Avoiding common brushing mistakes
One common mistake is using a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Soft-bristled brushes are recommended to prevent tooth wear and gum damage. Additionally, avoid rinsing immediately after brushing to allow the fluoride to work its magic.
Remember, dental advice is not one-size-fits-all. It’s essential to consult with your dentist or hygienist for personalised guidance. They’ll be thrilled to help you optimise your oral hygiene routine.
In conclusion, whether you brush before or after breakfast is a matter of personal preference, dental advice, and lifestyle.
The key takeaway is to ensure you brush effectively and regularly, use the right tools, and seek professional advice when needed. Your dental health is a precious asset, and taking care of it will serve you well into your golden years.
We’d love to hear from our readers. What’s your toothbrushing routine like? Have you found a method that works best for you? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
Also read: The cheesy trick to save your teeth from Diet Coke damage
