Dentist says there's a best time to brush your teeth - and it's not first thing

Many of us are guilty of brushing our teeth the moment we wake up, even before having breakfast. However, a dental expert has challenged this routine as not being as advantageous for our oral health as we might assume.

Dr Deepa from Whites Dental suggests that tackling plaque after tucking into your breakfast could safeguard against sensitivity, enamel wear, and halitosis.

"Brushing your teeth after breakfast helps protect them from damage caused by acidic foods and drinks," Dr Deepa advises. "It also reduces sensitivity, fits better into many people's routines, and can discourage snacking between meals."

Consuming breakfast items rich in acid like citrus juice, fruits, or vinegar can cause temporary softening of tooth enamel. Brushing directly after consuming these can lead to erosion of this crucial protective surface.

The recommendation from Dr Deepa is to give it about 30 minutes post-breakfast before reaching for the toothbrush to allow your saliva the time to do its work neutralising acids and restoring enamel.

"Brushing too soon after an acidic meal can actually damage your teeth," she says. "Your saliva needs time to neutralise those acids first."

Tooth sensitivity and discolouration can be exacerbated for individuals with sensitive teeth if they brush before their morning meal, particularly when followed up with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled beverage.

"If you already suffer from sensitivity, brushing before hot or cold foods can increase discomfort," elucidates Dr Deepa. "Brushing after eating is more gentle on your teeth."

She also highlighted the advantage of brushing after breakfast to get rid of food remnants and reduce teeth staining, particularly from beverages like coffee or tea: "Foods and beverages like coffee can stain your teeth if not removed quickly. Brushing afterwards helps keep your smile brighter."

When it comes to oral hygiene, there's a debate between convenience and consistency.

While the ideal would be to brush post-breakfast, Dr Deepa acknowledges that for those on a tight morning schedule, this may not always be feasible.

"Ultimately, the most important thing is consistency," she emphasised. "Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly."

Dr Deepa advises that whether you choose to brush before or after breakfast should align with your individual routine and dental health needs – yet when doable, brushing post-eating provides superior dental defence.