Anyone who has a healthy dental routine also has a routine for brushing their teeth. That means twice a day: usually once in the morning and again before bed. It all seems fairly straightforward, but what if you’ve been doing it wrong by cleaning your teeth at the wrong time? Many professionals say you should brush your teeth before you eat breakfast. While it might not be the best experience to enjoy your breakfast while still tasting your toothpaste, it could help your teeth stay healthy.
We’re glad you’re brushing your teeth twice a day, but there might be more you can do to keep those teeth looking good.
Why Before Breakfast?
Over night while you’re asleep, germs in your mouth that cause plaque start to proliferate. That’s why, in the morning, you may notice morning breath and even a “mossy” taste. We take care of this issue by flossing, which removes plaque and germs. Brushing right when you wake up immediately removes all of that gunk while also giving you an extra layer of defense that can help protect your teeth from acid in your breakfast meal.
If you do eat something acidic, you should wait around 30 minutes before you brush your teeth. That includes citrus, toast, and coffee, all of which are acidic enough to cause damage to your teeth.
Also, brushing your teeth first thing in the morning is a good idea because your saliva production is boosted by doing so. This can then help you digest your meals properly and will eliminate germs that might be finding a home in your mouth.
How Should You Brush?
Even more important than when you brush is how you brush. You need to know the right procedure and, whether you use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush with nylon bristles, it looks just about the same. Lubricate the head of your brush lightly by wetting it and then add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. After that, brush your teeth at an angle of 45 agrees and get all of the hard-to-reach areas. After 2 minutes of thorough brushing, brush your tongue some as well. Spit and then rinse your mouth out if you’d like. While it might be ideal to brush before breakfast, as long as you’re brushing properly, you’re in good shape.
Catonsville Dental Care Can Handle All of Your Oral Care Needs
Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and a commitment to comfort, safety, and relaxation, you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube.