The age-old question “Should you brush your teeth before or after eating” has sparked debates among dental professionals and oral health enthusiasts alike.
While some people advocate for brushing before a meal, others advocate for brushing after a meal.
In this post, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of these practices to help you decide which one is best for your oral health.
Brushing Before Eating:
Brushing before meals is recommended by some because it helps get rid of overnight grime and plaque, giving your teeth a clean start before they come into contact with food acids.
RELATED: What Causes Acid Erosion On Teeth
It also helps get rid of morning breath and makes your teeth feel fresher all day long.
Advantages:
- Plaque Removal: Pre-meal brushing can effectively remove plaque and bacteria accumulated overnight.
- Fresh Breath: Brushing before eating helps combat morning breath, leaving you with a fresh taste in your mouth.
- Clean Slate: Starting the day with clean teeth may make you more conscious of your oral hygiene throughout the day.
RELATED: 12 Simple Ways To Naturally Whiten Your Teeth At Home
Disadvantages:
- Tooth Sensitivity: Brushing immediately after waking up may lead to tooth sensitivity for some individuals.
- Acidic Damage: Brushing right after consuming acidic foods or beverages can potentially damage softened enamel.
Brushing After Eating:
On the other hand, advocates of post-meal brushing claim that it removes food particles and helps neutralize acid attacks on your teeth. The goal is to reduce the impact of acidic foods and drinks on your teeth.
RELATED: 4 Signs You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard, And 4 Ways You Can Fix It
Advantages:
- Acid Neutralization: Post-meal brushing helps neutralize acid attacks on the teeth after consuming acidic foods.
- Food Particle Removal: Brushing after eating eliminates any leftover food particles, reducing the risk of plaque formation.
- Enamel Protection: Waiting to brush can help protect the enamel from abrasion, especially after consuming acidic substances.
RELATED: 10 Best Home Remedies for Whitening Teeth That Will Surprise You
Disadvantages:
- Delayed Plaque Removal: Waiting to brush may allow plaque and bacteria to accumulate between meals.
- Morning Breath: If you skip morning brushing, you might experience morning breath until after your first meal.
The Middle Ground:
If you’re stuck between these two approaches, you may want to find a middle ground. For example, you could rinse your mouth with water before eating, or use a non-alcoholic mouthwash to cleanse your breath and remove particles.
RELATED: 10 Expert Tips To Treat Bleeding Gums Naturally At Home
After eating, wait at least half an hour before brushing to let your saliva neutralize acids and cleanse your enamel.
A Word From GetMe Treated
Should you brush your teeth before or after eating? At the end of the day, whether or not you should brush before or after your meal is a matter of personal preference, your lifestyle, and your particular oral health requirements.
You may want to try both approaches and see how your gums and teeth react. However, it’s important to remember that good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and regular dental visits, are the best way to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
RELATED: Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment
If you’ve got any concerns or conditions that you’d like to discuss with your dentist, we’d be happy to tailor your dental care routine to your specific needs.
Should You Brush Your Teeth Before Or After Eating FAQs
Is it better to brush your teeth before or after coffee?
Wait 30 minutes before brushing
RELATED: Personal Hygiene Mistakes You Are Probably Making
When should I brush my teeth?
First thing in the morning and last thing at night
Is it OK to eat after brushing at night?
After brushing your teeth before going to sleep, you shouldn’t eat anything.
RELATED: Laser Treatment For Gum Disease Pros And Cons
Can I brush my teeth 3 times a day?
Yes.
How long after brushing my teeth can I drink water?
15-20 minutes
Is it good to eat before brushing?
Brushing your teeth before breakfast is good for your enamel and good for your oral health.
When should you not brush your teeth?
RELATED: Gum Disease Before And After
Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming high-acid foods or beverages.