It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after breakfast and before bedtime. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
It’s also a good idea to brush your teeth after meals if possible, especially if you’ve consumed sugary or acidic foods or drinks. However, if you’re unable to brush after a meal, rinsing your mouth with water can help to remove some of the food particles and bacteria.
Remember to use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, and to brush for at least two minutes each time. Additionally, don’t forget to floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gum line.
Your Dentist’s Recommendation
Let’s start here. The American Dental Association® recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash once a day, and chewing sugar free gum between meals in order to reduce the build up of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Your dentist agrees with this.
In addition, you should let a professional “brush your teeth” at least twice a year. In other words, makes sure you are seen in a dental office at least twice a year for x-rays, cleanings and for preventative care, and as needed if you have pain or any dental or oral concerns. A healthy mouth is created from lifelong habits in good oral care, but, what if you forget?
I Forgot To Brush My Teeth!
If you forget to brush your teeth sometimes, you are not alone. We all forget things. If you do forget to brush your teeth, do it as soon as you think of it. If it becomes a habit, sadly, your teeth and gums will suffer. Often it is children who lament their forgotten habit, but it can be a problem for adults too. Here are some tips to help you remember and keep your oral care a priority.
Task it. Make it part of your every day grooming routine to brush your teeth. Wake up, use the bathroom, brush your teeth, shower. When it becomes part of a routine, it is easier to remember.
Set a timer. Use your phone, computer or even a friend to remind you when it is time to brush your teeth. Usually in the morning and evening make the most sense, but maybe with your schedule you need it to be right after breakfast and right before bed. Whenever you determine is the best time to brush, alert yourself and do it.
Remind yourself. There is a saying: “out of sight, out of mind”. Help yourself remember by setting out your toothbrush or even posting a note somewhere you are sure to see it. Keeping it top of mind will help you integrate it into your everyday habits.
Substitute sometimes. Carry sugar free gum and/or a sample size mouthwash with you in your bag or purse. When you can’t brush your teeth, take some time for a quick swish of mouth wash or pop some gum in your mouth. This is not a true substitute for tooth brushing, since it does not remove plaque, but it can help.
How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?
Short answer: At least twice a day. And when you forget, do it when you remember. Talk to your dentist about other strategies to put in place to help stay on top of your brushing.
At PERFECT TEETH we are dedicated to helping more people have a healthy smile, which starts with your own daily oral care routine. Whether you need help for yourself or someone you love, Newtonbrook is here.
Brushing Teeth Before or After Breakfast
Many people clean their teeth at the same time each day to develop a regular brushing routine. The norm for most individuals seems to be to brush in the morning and once again right before bed. Brushing becomes regular when using this straightforward programme. But what if you have been performing your daily ritual incorrectly by cleaning your teeth first?
For the longevity of your tooth enamel and general oral hygiene, several professionals advise brushing before breakfast as it is the best time to brush your teeth. Even though no one enjoys drinking their morning orange juice with fluoride still in their mouth, doing so could be beneficial for your teeth.
Healthy dental practices help you retain the radiance of your smile and the health of your teeth. It is advised to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time to maintain them healthy and cavity-free. This article will examine the suggestion that it is healthier for your teeth if you brush before or after breakfast.
Why is Brushing Before Breakfast a Good Idea?
This question could have a scientific solution. While you’re sleeping, germs in your mouth that cause plaque proliferate. You could get “morning breath” and a “mossy” taste as a result, in part. Plaque and germs may be removed from your teeth by using fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, the benefits of brushing teeth before breakfast are that it provides a layer of defence against acid from meals to protect your enamel.
If you eat something acidic, you should wait at least 30 minutes before cleaning your teeth. Toast, citrus, and coffee are examples of breakfast items that meet the definition of acidic food. The best time to brush your teeth is in the morning as saliva production is boosted when you brush first thing in the morning. Saliva aids in the digestion of meals and naturally eliminates dangerous oral germs.
Brushing before breakfast can be a good idea because it helps to remove any plaque or bacteria that may have accumulated on your teeth overnight while you were sleeping. Bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars and carbohydrates left behind from the food you eat, producing acid that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
If you brush your teeth after breakfast, you’re essentially leaving that bacteria on your teeth for several hours until your next brushing. On the other hand, brushing your teeth before breakfast removes the bacteria and the food particles that they feed on, helping to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Additionally, brushing before breakfast can also freshen your breath and improve your overall oral hygiene, making it a good habit to incorporate into your daily routine.
How Should you Brush your Teeth Properly?
- Brushing your teeth properly is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to brush your teeth effectively:
- Choose the Right Toothbrush: Select a soft-bristled toothbrush that is comfortable and easy to maneuver. Hard bristles can damage your gums and tooth enamel.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel and protects against tooth decay. Apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to your toothbrush.
- Position Your Toothbrush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. This angle allows the bristles to reach the area where your teeth meet your gums, where plaque and food particles tend to accumulate.
- Brush in Small Circles: Use gentle, circular motions to brush the outer surface of each tooth. Make sure to brush all sides of the tooth, including the front, back, and top. Focus on a few teeth at a time before moving on to the next group.
- Clean Your Tongue: Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Brush the Inner Surfaces: Tilt the toothbrush vertically and use the tip of the bristles to clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth, both upper and lower.
- Brush the Chewing Surfaces: For the chewing surfaces of your molars, use a back-and-forth motion.
- Brush for Two Minutes: Brush your teeth for at least two minutes to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Be Gentle: Avoid brushing too hard, as this can lead to gum irritation and recession. Gentle pressure is enough to clean your teeth effectively.
- Use a Timer: If you find it difficult to brush for the full two minutes, use a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to help you track the time.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After brushing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any leftover toothpaste and debris.
- Floss Regularly: Even with proper brushing, there are areas between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth and under the gum line.
- Consider Mouthwash: Using mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and provide additional protection against cavities and gum disease. However, it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
- Replace Your Toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
- Visit Your Dentist: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for examinations and professional cleanings.
By following these steps and maintaining a consistent oral care routine, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent dental issues in the long run.
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In addition to the benefits of brushing teeth, follow these guidelines to maintain oral health:
- Floss each day
- After brushing and flossing, rinse with mouthwash.
- Take in a lot of water.
- Eat a balanced diet and minimizing sugary food and drinks
- Limit your intake of snacks.
- Every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are crooked or spread, replace your toothbrush.
- Make appointments for routine X-rays and cleanings at the dentist.
Following Breakfast, Precautions to Take after Brushing Teeth
People who clean their teeth after breakfast have a larger likelihood of plaque and germs mixing with their pancakes, waffles, cereal, milk, coffee, and orange juice. Therefore, when you wake up in the morning, consider getting your toothbrush before your cup of coffee as it is the best time to brush your teeth. At your subsequent dental examination, you could notice a change.
You can still brush after breakfast if it works better for your morning routine, but have the following in mind. Instead of strengthening your enamel, brushing just after breakfast may leave behind acidic food residue on your teeth. Breakfast staples like the following are among those that are detrimental to your teeth’s enamel:
- Citrous fruit
- Orange juice
- Dried fruit
- Bread
- Pastries
Therefore, cleaning your teeth shortly after breakfast may be extremely harmful to them. The best strategy to guarantee that you’re protecting your teeth and not interfering with your enamel is to wait for 30 to an hour after eating before brushing your teeth.
It is advised by dental professionals to wait 60 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth, especially after consuming acidic meals. After a meal, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to clean your teeth before brushing.