There are two types of people in the world: those who brush their teeth before breakfast and those who brush their teeth after breakfast. But which group is right? Well, like most health-related questions, it depends.
What is the best time to brush your teeth?
While there are mixed opinions within the dental community, Dr. Josen Gastelum, a Phoenix-based dentist known as… @doctorjossen On TikTok, she is an advocate of brushing your teeth before breakfast.
“In my opinion, brushing your teeth before breakfast helps add a protective layer to your teeth and can even help stimulate saliva before eating breakfast,” Gastelum says. luck. “When you’re asleep, your saliva flow is reduced, and many people suffer from dry mouth for various reasons. Saliva helps get rid of acidity in the mouth. This means your teeth are more vulnerable to acid attacks in the morning right when you wake up, not to mention your morning breath as well.” .
But if you insist on brushing your teeth after your first meal of the day, Gastelum suggests waiting at least 30 minutes after you finish eating, because acids in your food and drinks (especially coffee) can damage the enamel, while… American Dental Association She recommends waiting at least an hour after eating to brush your teeth.
“It takes about 30 minutes for your saliva to store the acids in your mouth and return them to safe levels,” he says. “In the meantime, you can swish your mouth with either water or an alkaline mouthwash like Therabreath to help neutralize the acids in your mouth while your saliva gets to work.”
How often to brush your teeth
You should aim to brush your teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning and once before going to bed.
“In my opinion, both times are equally important, but before bed is especially crucial because you want to get rid of all the plaque that has built up during the day,” says Gastelum. “I like to tell kids (and some adults): You brush your teeth at night to keep your teeth, and you brush your teeth in the morning to keep your friends.”
If you want to brush your teeth in the middle of the day, for example, after lunch, Gastelum recommends waiting 30 minutes after your meal to avoid getting acids into your teeth. But keep in mind that more brushing does not automatically mean better oral health.
“I think most people’s first instinct is that the more often they brush their teeth, the better,” he says. “I agree that mechanical disruption of plaque is the best way to prevent tooth decay and improve gum health, but it is not necessary to obsessively brush as long as you do it well in the morning and at night before bed.”
The best way to clean your teeth
Most dentists recommend using a soft or very soft toothbrush. Adults should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums while brushing back and forth in short strokes to get each tooth. Aggressive brushing can lead to receding gums and erosion of enamel.
“If you have an electric toothbrush, use very gentle pressure and pass the toothbrush over each tooth at a 45-degree angle toward the gums on the outer and inner surfaces, and then directly over the upper surfaces of your teeth,” Gastelum says. “Let the brush do all the work, that’s what I bought it for.”
You’ll also need to change your toothbrush every three to four months, or any time after you get sick.
Other ways to protect your teeth
Good oral health also refers to overall health. Recently, researchers have linked gum disease to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and even diabetes Erectile dysfunction in men.
In addition to regular brushing, flossing is important for maintaining optimal gum health. Flossing at least once a day can help reduce your chances of getting cavities between your teeth.
“Water flossers, for example WaterPik, are great adjuncts as well, which really improve gum health especially in patients with reduced dexterity,” says Gastelum. “Tongue scraping is also very important to reduce bad bacteria in your mouth.”
Using mouthwash five minutes before brushing your teeth can help fight bad breath, although mouthwash that contains alcohol can dry out your mouth.
If you’re having trouble maintaining a consistent tooth-brushing routine, Gastelum recommends finding a toothpaste flavor you’re excited to use; Invest in an electric toothbrush (many have built-in timers so you know exactly how long to brush); And brushing with a friend, family member, or roommate.
“It helps build relationships and also motivates you to make it a consistent habit,” he says.
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