Q: Should I brush before or after breakfast?

 

A: It is recommended to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning, before breakfast for two main reasons.

1) Remove bacteria

When we sleep, salivary flow decreases. In addition, bacteria that causes dental plaque multiplies in our oral cavity. If not removed, these bacteria can produce sulphur compounds leading to bad breath. This explains the bitter taste as well as morning breath in our mouth whenever we wake up in the morning. Brushing has been shown to stimulate salivary production which has both cleansing and antibacterial properties.

2) Protect your teeth

Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste not only helps to increase the production of saliva but also coats your teeth with a protective layer of fluoride to prevent demineralization and promote remineralization of the tooth enamel.

3 Brushing immediately after breakfast is harmful

Research has shown that, whenever we consume food or beverages, the pH level in our oral cavity drops. When this happens, the mouth becomes acidic. As a result, there is some demineralization of the enamel. Brushing immediately after food will remove the already softened enamel layer, and result in loss of tooth structure. Thus, it is recommended to wait 30-45 minutes before brushing after a meal. This allows time for the pH level to be restored which in turn allows remineralization of the tooth surface. While waiting, you can rinse your mouth with fluoride containing mouthwash and/or drink plain water to help remove the food residues.

Dr Irene Sim is a Dental Specialist in Endodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularisation, apexification, non-vital bleaching & cracked teeth management. For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com.

Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.