When should you brush your teeth in the morning?

Two leading dentists in the US have said we may be brushing our teeth at the wrong times. Whilst people are generally aware of the need to brush at least twice a day, many do not realise the importance of timing.

According to Anjali Rajpal, who runs a Beverly Hills dental practice, brushing in the morning is a vital aspect of oral health and should be done right after waking up, but before breakfast. Endodontist Steven J. Katz concurs, saying that it removes plaque and bacteria that developed in the night, whilst eliminating early morning bad breath.

People who sleep with their mouths open don’t produce as much saliva, meaning there is less scope to lubricate and rid areas of bacteria. For them, there is an even greater need to brush first thing in the morning.

Some people may be unaware that brushing before breakfast coats the teeth with protective fluoride, calcium phosphate and other minerals that are found in toothpastes. These protect teeth from acid attacks, especially if breakfast includes sugary or acidic content. Moreover, there is increasing evidence to suggest brushing, flossing and routine dental checkups can help support your heart and lungs.

It is worth noting, however, that brushing too rigorously could aggravate sensitive teeth, thin enamel or exposed roots. Research has found that it is better to wait for around 30 minutes after eating or drinking, particularly if acidic juice or coffee were consumed.

For more information on morning oral hygiene, call Art of Dental Care today, leading providers of root canal treatment in Chester.