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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it better to brush teeth before or after breakfast in the morning?

    Related Topic
    Oral Health
    Some of my friends brush their teeth upon waking up (before breakfast) but I have always waited until after I eat. Which is better?
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  • 28

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    Dr Arnold Baume

    Dentist

     Brush and floss your teeth after you eat . This is the most logical answer .You do not want bacteria eating the left-overs in your mouth from breakfast . Remember to floss . Take responsibility for the food that can not be brushed or removed between your teeth.
     Same  at bed time . Clean teeth and gums after dinner .

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  • 9

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    Dr Kevin Jaffar

    Dentist

    Jaffar Dental - Trusted and Established since 1997. We are a family owned General Dental Practice offering a friendly and caring environment in Waterford QLD. … View Profile

    After Breakfast.

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  • 1

    Agree

    18

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    Dr Barbara Szylkarski

    Dentist

    Dr Barbara Szylkarski has 18 years experience in private practice dentistry for adults and children. She has also worked alongside one of brisbanes renowned prosthodontists, … View Profile

    Wait until after you eat breakfast.  When you brush your teeth it is important not to eat for at least 30 minutes afterwards to allow the fluoride from the toothpaste to soak into your teeth.

    If you brushed before breakfast it is less likely that you will be able to wait the 30 minutes!

    There is however some research to show that drinking an acidic fruit drink first thing in the morning when you have limited saliva flow can increase the erosion of your teeth.  Brushing prior can help stimulate the saliva flow prior to the glass of juice. 

    However it would be far more beneficial to not have the juice or at least combine it with your cereal or toast. Brush after breakfast and give that fluoride time to work.

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  • 20

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    Dr Jeremy Rourke

    Dentist

    If you are only going to brush once then it is better to brush after your breakfast with toothpaste so that you remove the food from your teeth. If you are very keen then you could brush before breakfast without toothpaste so your mouth is clean and fresh, that way your breakfast will taste better.

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  • 3

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    Dr Farida Shah(Shaik)

    Dentist

    Credentials: B.D.S.,A.D.C.,M.Sc.(University of Wollongong) Registered practitioner of Fast braces We do Oral cancer screening and complete Saliva analysis. Cosmetic dentistry... Yes we are up to … View Profile

    All the baove feed backs from fellow dentists are good...

    Simple is"The  longer the leftovers were left in mouth,the worse it going to  be for oral health".

    Brush at night so that your mouth is clean,not much of food  left to get disintegrate into acids and flourish the bacterial growth ,When there is decreased salivation,and limited function of mouth.In the morning, discomfort from dry mouth can be eased by  simply rinsing your mouth with water,and having to drink a glass of warm water.That makes your breakfast to taste better and also you feel clean before eating.Drinking water in the morning is good for health in general.After breakfast,brush and carry on the day..till you snack or eat,your mouth is free of leftovers and flouride will be helping longer too.

    So,Brushing Before bed and after breakfast are recommonded.

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  • 3

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    Dr Roland Chong

    Dentist

    I am in total agreement with my fellow colleagues. Brushing your teeth after breakfast is the better option.

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  • 10

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    Dr Frank Farrelly

    Dentist

    Principal Dentist at Darlinghurst Dental, a high quality, affordable practice located in the heart of Darlinghurst. A high emphasis on customer service and impeccable cross … View Profile

    I will offer a contrary opinion from my colleagues, in the hope that you make an imformed decision. Most people brush their teeth to prevent tooth decay, but brushing is more linked with gum disease prevention. For decay to occur, you need to have both sugars and plaque for a period of time. Removing either the sugar or the plaque reduces decay, with sugar frequency reduction being the most important factor.

    There is only limited research showing a link between brushing timing and prevention of problems as it is very difficult to accurately measure over a long period. It makes sense logically to brush after food, to remove it. In reality, it doesn't seem to make much difference, based on the available evidence.

    One thing we do know for sure, is that if you brush after acidic foods or drinks, you can wear down the enamel. This is a combination of abrasion and erosion. This is becoming a bigger problem as our diet is becoming more acidic. For breakfast, many people have juice and leave for work soon after. If you brush shortly after consuming juice, you will be doing damage. You should wait 30-60 minutes after dietary acids, and then brush.

    For those that rush out to work in the morning, it may then be better to brush prior to eating. You still reduce the available plaque, to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but without the increased abrasion problem. If you have time, wait for 30-60 minutes after eating and then brush.

    It is this increased enamel wear that is causing an increase in tooth sensitivity. You have probably seen the many varieties available and special toothpastes now formulated to help erosion. Not only is this damaging the enamel structurally, cosmetically, as the enamel becomes thinner, the tooth appears darker.

    Hope this extra information is usefull rather than confusing you further.

    Dr Frank Farrelly

    Darlinghurst Dental

    Take Pride in Your Smile

    https://darlinghurstdental.com.au

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