When Is the Best Time for Toothbrushing?

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is necessary for good oral health. However, the frequency of toothbrushing is not the only thing you should care about. The timing of this oral hygiene practice also matters. Below are a few tips to help you brush your teeth at the right time.

In the Morning

Bacteria can build up in your mouth within a matter of hours. Everyone has some oral bacteria that feed on food remains and produce acids. The acids can erode and damage your teeth if you leave food remains and bacteria on your teeth for a long time. Brushing your teeth in the morning helps get rid of the bacteria before they cause serious damage to your teeth.

In addition, your saliva production also increases when you sleep. The saliva helps to wash bacteria from your teeth, but some of them remain in your mouth. Lastly, brushing in the morning will also help you get rid of the morning breath, which stems from bacteria's action in your mouth as you sleep.

After Breakfast

Many people argue on whether to brush before or after breakfast. Either of them will help you keep your mouth clean. However, brushing after breakfast has a slight edge over brushing before breakfast. By brushing after breakfast, you get rid of both the overnight and breakfast debris. That way, the bacteria don't have much to feed on during the rest of the day.

In the Evening

Brushing in the evening or at night is beneficial for multiple reasons. Specifically, evening brushing:

• Helps you to get rid of bacteria and acids that accumulate on your teeth during the day
• Ensures that you don't go to sleep with bits of food on your teeth

The second benefit only applies if you brush after your supper. Also, resist the temptation for late-night snacks after brushing. Snacks, which tend to be sugary, might undo the benefit of nighttime brushing.

After a Sugary Snack

You don't have to brush your teeth after every single meal. For most people, brushing in the morning and evening is enough to maintain a clean and healthy mouth. However, you should consider brushing your teeth after a sugary snack.

Bacteria love sugar. The germs will feed on the sugar and turn it into acid, which can soften your teeth and damage the enamel. Make a habit of carrying an oral hygiene kit that includes a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste. That way, you can brush anywhere.

Ideally, you should have a definite snack time so that you don't snack every hour of the day. You might struggle to brush your teeth after every sugary snack if you spread the snacks all through the day. An alternative is to snack immediately after meals before brushing your teeth so that you can brush away the sugary remains.

Some Minutes After Eating

Brushing after eating is good, but you shouldn't do it immediately after your meal. For one, acidic and hot foods soften your enamel and make them susceptible to damage. Waiting for some time allows for the temperature and acidic effect to subside. Brush before breakfast if you can't wait afterward.

Don't forget that you need to brush for at least two minutes to ensure you cover every surface of every teeth. Otherwise, you might not reap the full benefits of clean teeth.

Hopefully, your oral hygiene practice will help you prevent oral or dental problems. However, oral hygiene is not the only thing that affects your dental health. Thus, you might develop dental problems despite your best efforts. Contact Doctors Davis & Beyer Dental Health Professionals if that happens. We will diagnose your condition and give you the help you need.