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Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums

Is Brushing Teeth After Eating Good For You?

Brushing is one of the first activities we perform when we wake up. But with time, most people might consider a cup of coffee or tea to kick-start their day. Some might even think a toast or a few bites of an omelet will only do minor damage as they will brush after that. Brushing after breakfast is a new trend and is becoming popular. With fast-paced routines, people usually shuffle their routines as per their liking.

Brushing must be done before meals, and one must wait before immediately brushing after eating. In this blog, you will learn in detail about why it is necessary to brush before breakfast and what precautions should be taken.

Why is it better to brush before breakfast?

At night, bacteria-causing germs can multiply rapidly, so your morning breath is mossy and smelly. Cleaning your mouth with fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with fluoride mouthwash can act as a layer of protection against those bacteria and corrosive acids they release. If you eat breakfast without brushing, all those bacteria are still present, damaging the enamel.

You must avoid brushing your teeth at least 30 min before consuming any meal. Most breakfasts contain juices and other acidic elements; hence, it is essential to wait up before immediately brushing your teeth. By brushing your teeth, the first thing can start your saliva production and help you digest food better.

Precautions for brushing teeth after breakfast

Brushing teeth after eating breakfast is part of most of our routines. But if it is unavoidable, one can take a few precautions to reduce damage caused due to this. After eating, brushing can coat your teeth with leftover acidic elements and reduce enamel. Here are some necessary precautions for brushing your teeth after a meal:

  • Drink water or chew sugar-free gum to clean your teeth before brushing.
  • One must wait 30-60 min before brushing your teeth, most significantly after consuming acidic food.
  • Brushing your teeth immediately after eating acidic food can weaken enamel and cover your teeth with leftover cutting elements that will eventually demineralize teeth.
  • Always gargle or rinse your mouth with water or fluoride mouthwash to ensure the removal of leftover food particles in your mouth.

Is it Important to Brush Right Before Bed Or After Every Meal?

When you go to bed without brushing, plaque will accumulate on and between your teeth, attack your tooth enamel, irritate your gums, and harden on and at the gumline. It would be best if you brushed your teeth effectively on all surfaces, regardless of whether you brush an hour after eating dinner or right before going to sleep.

People who wear braces must brush after every meal. But for others, it is not necessary to brush your teeth every time. One must ensure that one brushes once a day and flosses once daily.

Final Thoughts

So, overall, brushing habits depend on your dental conditions. Overbrushing and no brushing are both dangerous for your health and your gum’s health. It would be best if you visited your dentist for a better analysis of your situation. Regular brushing for two minutes twice a day is enough for most of us, and other than this, one must rinse their mouth after every meal.

A healthy mouth is a germs-free and pleasant smell. Plaque buildup can make your breath stink and affect your personality. If there is a presence of tartar or hardened plaque, you must consider professional cleaning. Visit your dentist and get a complete dental care routine. Your precautions can help you avoid periodontal diseases by identifying its early signs.