Brushing Your Teeth: Don’t Make This Mistake!

Brushing teeth is a habit acquired by most people, but sometimes it is good to revise to ensure that it is done correctly and at the right time.

In fact, dentists say that brushing your teeth after breakfast is wrong.

In fact, brushing your teeth before the first meal of the day is a great way to start the day to ensure good oral hygiene.

However, studies show that about 40% of people miss brushing their teeth only after eating breakfast.

According to Dr Sam Jethwa, Vice-President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Dr Alan Clarke, Chief Dental Officer at Paste Dental Clinic Belfast, brushing before meals is essential to protect teeth from bacteria and keep them fresh.

Brushing your teeth first thing in the morning helps the body fight off bacteria that has grown overnight.

Dr Jethwa explains that bacteria in the mouth multiply during sleep and cause dental plaque.

“When plaque builds up on teeth, it eats away at the enamel and causes cavities,” he explains.

“Brushing your teeth before breakfast not only removes plaque build-up from your teeth but also activates saliva production,” she adds.

According to Dr. Clarke, when you eat, the bacteria in your mouth break down the food and create acid.

Eating breakfast and drinking coffee or fruit juice feeds this bacteria, which produces acid that attacks tooth enamel.

“Brushing your teeth before breakfast helps remove these bacteria and the acidic environment that damages tooth enamel,” says Dr. Clark.

According to him, if you drink orange juice for breakfast and immediately brush your teeth, the bacteria and orange juice will push between your teeth.

This acid can weaken tooth enamel, causing tooth wear and sensitivity. So experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth.

“If you brush your teeth too soon after consuming these foods, you risk further damaging the tooth enamel at a time when it is still weak and vulnerable,” says Dr Jethwa.