Before or after breakfast: Dentist on best time to brush your teeth

When not to brush your teeth

According to the doctor, if you are one of those who brush your teeth after breakfast, it’s time to stop doing that.

"The answer we give to our patients is to brush your teeth before breakfast, and this is an answer that many do not expect," the doctor said.

If you drink fruit juice in the morning, brushing your teeth immediately afterward is a big problem. Moreover, brushing your teeth afterward is more likely to worsen bad breath than if you brush your teeth before breakfast.

Additionally, he also warns about using mouthwash, advising that it should be used at the right time.

"It’s best not to use mouthwash immediately after brushing your teeth so the benefits of the toothpaste stay on your teeth," the dentist added.

The doctor recommends that his patients brush their teeth before breakfast or in the middle of the day to maintain fresh breath. This is especially important if you have sensitive teeth.

How often to brush your teeth

Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Brushing once a day is not enough to prevent harmful bacteria and plaque from building up.

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your roots or gums. For some patients, an electric toothbrush might be the best option.

Moreover, brushing your teeth should include cleaning the entire mouth: gums, palate, and tongue. The tongue comes into contact with everything we put in our mouths and can become a breeding ground for bacteria that cause various infectious diseases.

Use dental floss, as it removes food particles that are inaccessible to the toothbrush and is an important part of oral hygiene.

For effective and healthy cleaning, change your toothbrush every 3 months. This also applies to the heads of electric toothbrushes.

It is also recommended to replace your toothbrush if you get sick. Harmful bacteria remain in the bristles, so it should be replaced as soon as you recover.