Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?

Should you brush before or after breakfast?

Healthline says before breakfast is preferred: brushing after waking removes bacteria that multiplied overnight, fluoride toothpaste coats enamel against acids in food, and brushing boosts saliva, which helps break down food and fight bacteria. After breakfast is acceptable if it suits your routine, but wait. The NHS says to brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about two minutes, with one session last thing before bed, but does not say whether the morning brush comes before or after breakfast.

How long to wait after eating

Healthline recommends waiting 30 to 60 minutes after eating before brushing, and says the American Dental Association suggests about 60 minutes after acidic foods. Cleveland Clinic gives the same advice, to wait about an hour after acidic foods such as citrus, soda or candy. Breakfast items Healthline names as acidic include orange juice, citrus fruit, dried fruit, bread and pastries, and it says toast, citrus and coffee can weaken enamel if you brush right away. Drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum before brushing is also recommended.

What if I brush before and after?

Healthline says brushing three times a day likely won't damage teeth as long as you brush gently, and brushing too hard can wear enamel and irritate gums. Healthline's brushing article suggests rinsing with water after acidic foods if you cannot wait an hour to brush, which is a way to protect enamel while you wait. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, brush for two minutes, and spit out the leftover toothpaste, as the NHS advises, without rinsing it away.

Can I brush my teeth before surgery?

The sources we read do not address brushing before surgery or anesthesia. The rule for eating and drinking before surgery comes from your surgical team and depends on the anesthesia. Do not guess: ask the clinic for written instructions, and follow them about fasting, mouthwash and toothpaste on the day.

Should you brush your teeth before going to the dentist?

The sources we read do not say. Brushing before a visit is common and polite, and it helps the dentist see your teeth, but you do not need to do anything special, and you should still attend if you could not brush. If you are having sedation or surgery, follow the office's instructions on eating, drinking and brushing.

How to properly brush your tongue

Healthline says to brush your tongue with a few back-to-front strokes to remove bacteria that cause bad breath, and Cleveland Clinic says the tongue holds bacteria and should be brushed whenever you brush your teeth, using a toothbrush or tongue scraper. Use light pressure and avoid the very back if it makes you gag.

Why does my breath stink after I brush?

Bacteria on the tongue and between the teeth are common reasons. Healthline says to brush your tongue, and cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner is the ADA's advice. Cleveland Clinic says chronic bad breath is a warning sign of possible oral health problems and to see your dentist if it persists. See our guide on whether you should rinse after brushing.

Picking a routine you can keep

The best timing is the one you will keep. If mornings are rushed, brushing before breakfast and again at night covers the two sessions the NHS and the ADA recommend, and it avoids the question of waiting after acidic foods altogether. If you prefer to brush after breakfast, set a reminder to wait at least half an hour, and rinse your mouth with water in the meantime if you ate something acidic. Whichever you choose, spend the full two minutes, use a soft brush with light pressure, replace the brush when the bristles flatten, and clean between your teeth once a day.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask for your routine to be checked.

• When is the best time for me to brush in the morning?
• Am I brushing long enough and gently enough?
• Do I need to clean my tongue, and how?
• How should I brush before sedation or surgery?
• Is my breath a sign of a dental problem?

Frequently asked questions