From the NYT – by Hannah Seo
Everyone knows that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning and once before bedtime. But when it comes to your morning routine, is it better to brush before or after breakfast? The truth is that few studies have looked into this question and their results have been mixed and limited, so there isn’t a definitive answer.
Before Breakfast:
When you wake up in the morning, bacterial levels in your mouth are at their peak, “that’s why we have bad breath when we wake up.” So a mouth rife with bacteria and a breakfast full of sugary carbs means that conditions are perfect for the bacteria to flourish and multiply. Brushing before breakfast clears that bacteria away, denying them the opportunity to feed on your food.
After Breakfast:
A mouth rife with bacteria and a breakfast full of sugary carbs means that conditions are perfect for the bacteria to flourish and multiply. When this happens, they release acids that can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to cavities. Some experts argue that brushing your teeth too soon after a meal – especially one with acidic beverages like coffee or orange juice – will damage your enamel. That is true, but the actual damage that could be done would be so minimal that it wouldn’t really affect the health of your teeth. So to him, the benefits of post-breakfast brushing outweigh the potential negatives.
Read the full article here:
Is It Better to Brush Your Teeth Before Breakfast or After?