Verts and extroverts alike can all agree on one thing: dental hygiene is important. But when it comes to brushing your teeth in the morning, some may wonder if it’s better to get the task out of the way first thing or savor that sweet taste of toothpaste before bed.
When it comes down to choosing between brushing your teeth first or last thing in the morning, there really isn’t a wrong answer! However, dental experts suggest brushing your chompers at least twice a day for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste — so you might as well pick an option and stick with it.
If you’re someone who loves feeling like they already have their day started off right, then brushing your teeth first thing in the morning might be your best bet. Plus, you get to start off with a clean slate and enjoy the rest of your day knowing that your teeth are freshly scrubbed.
Conversely, if you’re more of an evening creature, then brushing your teeth right before bed might be the way to go. After all, a minty fresh mouth can do wonders for sweet dreams! Plus, this helps prevent bacteria from building up on your teeth while sleeping and sets you up for successful dental hygiene habits throughout the day.
No matter which one you choose, don’t forget that those little brushes between your toothbrush bristles are where it’s at — flossing is key when it comes to maintaining healthy gums and teeth! So go ahead and brush your teeth first thing in the morning, last thing at night, or both — just make sure you’re doing it regularly. Your mouth will thank you!
You should brush your teeth twice a day, but there’s still debate on when you should brush.
When it comes to brushing teeth, there is no one best time. The importance of brushing teeth will depend on your personal dental health and the amount of plaque build-up in your mouth. One important thing to keep in mind: before breakfast or after? Like with all things brush-related, this depends on what works for you.
Before or After Breakfast: Which is Best?
Brush your teeth before you eat for a few reasons. First, brushing before breakfast removes plaque from the night and lets you avoid getting cavities or enamel demineralization. Second, it ensures that any food on your teeth does not contribute to acid production which can harm the enamel in your mouth.
However, many people prefer to wait to brush their teeth until after they eat. The difficulty in scheduling a time for brushing your teeth is that you need enough time in between food and toothbrush use so as not to scrub away any acid on the teeth which occurs naturally from the stomach.
It’s best to wait until after breakfast to brush your teeth if you’re not at high risk for cavities and have enough time afterwards for the acids in your mouth to neutralize.
If you have a history of bad dental hygiene and morning oversights, it’s probably best to brush your teeth in the morning.
Best Time to Brush Teeth
The best time to brush your teeth is when you can, as long as you are brushing them at least twice a day.
If you’re looking to go above and beyond with tooth care, consider brushing your teeth right when you wake up, eating breakfast, then brushing again afterwards. Taking this approach does require a bit more time but it limits plaque buildup and acid erosion from the food debris left on your teeth during the day ahead.
Don’t brush immediately after eating
Anytime you eat or drink anything, food particles and ingredients combine with the natural bacteria in your mouth. The acid produced by these natural bacteria can damage tooth enamel, which is why frequent snacking throughout the day poses a risk for cavities.
To minimize tooth erosion and enamel damage, don’t brush your teeth until 30 minutes after you eat or drink.
If you just eat, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth.
Enamel Damaging Foods
Enamel Damaging foods if brushed immediately
Brushing your teeth after breakfast will remove the bacteria before they become acidic. Keep in mind what type of food you’ve eaten and whether it is more acidic or starchy to decide when to brush next.
Orange Juice
OJ is acidic. As a liquid, it coats teeth and stomach at the same time when drinking. That means brushing immediately after breakfast becomes challenging and should be avoided rerouting acid to surface, as well as sugars or sweeteners which produce more acids.
Citrus Fruit
If you like citrus fruits such as grapefruit or oranges, it may be best to brush your teeth after eating the fruit because they are acidic and can weakening enamel. If it’s not possible, consider brushing your teeth before breakfast.
Dried Fruit
Love adding dried fruit to your morning breakfast? Dried fruit is sticky and can adhere to teeth with prolonged chewing.
Bread And Pastries
Baked goods and sweet pastries can compound the problem by producing more acid in your mouth, resulting in plaque buildup.
How To Properly Brush Your Teeth
Start by brushing your teeth in a circular motion. Then, brush the inside surfaces of your teeth over an inch from where they meet up with the gums. Brush back and forth between each tooth to remove plaque buildup and food particles
Finish off by brushing the outer surface which protects against toxins that can build up on top of enamel without regular cleaning .
How To Floss
Flossing is the process of removing any food or plaque that was dislodged by brushing your teeth. Floss should be done every day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but it can also become a daily habit you look forward to as well!
Pick up dental floss from most drugstores for around $0.50 per yard. The easiest way to start flossing is probably with pre-cut stringers which are easy to pull apart and use
Fold one end of string between fingers on each hand so they meet at center point where there’s about an inch worth of elasticity in the middle. Gently slide hands away from each other while pressing down slightly against the gums until both ends of the string are extended.
Insert one of the strings about an inch up into each side of gums, wrapping it around your fingers and then sliding hands away from each other to remove any plaque or food particles in-between teeth.
Repeat process on opposite sides.
How To Brush Your Tongue And Cheeks
The tongue is a major way our mouths get coated with bacteria and saliva which can lead to bad breath if not cleaned properly. Cleaning your tongue will also help you brush better since there’s less sticking to do for removing as much food debris before it gets brushed off by bristles. The cheeks should be wiped down as well because they too hold onto bacteria that transfer during chewing
Hold toothbrush at right angles to mouth and brush tongue from top to bottom, making sure you don’t forget the back of your tongue. Brush cheeks with same motion
Flossing after breakfast is important because it removes any food or plaque that was dislodged by brushing teeth. Floss every day in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
When To Mouth Rinse
Here’s some great news: you can rinse your teeth anytime, regardless of what time or meal you’ve eaten. A great way to neutralize acids in your mouth is to rinse with water after meals or throughout the day.
It’s better to brush your teeth before breakfast because eating food can make it difficult or painful when brushing.
The best time to use mouth rinse is after you brush, so that it has full contact with your teeth. Using it before bedtime is especially beneficial, particularly if it contains fluoride. That way the salts can set on your teeth for better mineral uptake and enamel absorption.
To Brush Before or After Breakfast
There is no “correct” answer to this question as numerous factors are involved: mouth freshness, food particles in teeth, acid levels in your mouth.
The best brushing technique is to brush before you eat breakfast and 30 minutes after. It would also be wise to brush your teeth two or more times a day if possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW7ehWetNYM
How to incorporate regular flossing into your daily routine
Flossing is an essential part of dental hygiene, yet it is often overlooked. Incorporating regular flossing into your daily routine can be challenging, but it is not impossible. With a little bit of discipline and a few helpful tips, establishing a flossing habit can become a breeze.
One of the best ways to ensure that you floss regularly is by setting a reminder. It can be challenging to remember to floss consistently, especially if you have a busy schedule, but setting a reminder can help make it a habit. You can set a reminder on your phone or even place a sticky note somewhere visible as a reminder. Alongside flossing, try and make it a bit of a ritual by lighting a candle or playing your favorite song urging you to invest a few minutes in your oral hygiene routine.
Finding the right type of floss for your needs can also help make flossing an enjoyable experience. There are different types of dental floss, from the traditional string floss to the water flosser. Try experimenting with different types of floss and find what works best for you. Stores like Sephora and Nordstrom have even innovated the flossing industry by creating flavored flosses or fancy floss holders which are great way to incentivize you to floss regularly.
Finally, try to think of flossing as a positive act. Flossing is not only good for your teeth, but it can also help improve your overall health. Flossing can help prevent gum disease and even reduce your risk of heart disease. So, the next time you floss, try to think of it as an act of self-care and something you are doing to help maintain good health.
Regular flossing is essential for healthy gums and teeth. Incorporating flossing into your daily routine is a small yet vital step that goes a long way towards ensuring good oral hygiene. Remember to set reminders, try different flossing methods, and think of it as a positive act of self-care. With these tips, incorporating flossing into your daily routine should be a breeze. So go ahead, grab your floss and give your teeth some love!
