It is essential to brush your teeth twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene, but, in addition to regularity, the timing of brushing also has a great impact on the health of your teeth. Although many people have the habit of brushing their teeth right after breakfast, this gesture can do more harm than good, warns dental surgeon Vikas Prinja, cited by Mirror. According to the expert, the ideal is to brush your teeth before eating, and not after.
The reason for this is simple: during the night, saliva production decreases substantially, which facilitates the multiplication of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria, which feed on the remains of food present in the mouth when you wake up, release acids that, if not removed, can cause tooth decay. When you brush your teeth right after breakfast, we are rubbing these acids directly onto your teeth, which can cause tooth enamel to wear away. This wear, in turn, can result in more sensitive, thinner and yellowed teeth.
According to , the specialist recommends, to avoid this problem, that brushing is done immediately after waking up, before consuming any food or drink. The initial brushing helps to remove bacteria accumulated overnight, preventing its corrosive action on the teeth. To complement oral hygiene, Vikas Prinja suggests using mouthwash after meals. The elixir helps to remove small pieces of food and eliminate bacteria, without fueling their proliferation.
Furthermore, using mouthwash can be a good option for those who do not have the opportunity to brush their teeth after meals. This additional care contributes to a cleaner and healthier mouth, preventing the appearance of cavities and other dental problems in the long term.
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