Why you shouldn’t brush your teeth after breakfast, according to a dentist

Hannah Millington
Updated
Brush teeth. (Getty Images)
Brushing your teeth at the wrong time could do more harm than good. (Getty Images)

Do you brush before or after breakfast? If your answer is the latter you might want to rethink things to help preserve the health and strength of your teeth.

Here a dentist reveals when the right and wrong time to brush is, along with all the general oral health do's and don'ts you need to know about.

"Brushing your teeth immediately after eating might seem logical for fresh breath, but it can damage your enamel," says Dr Ferakh Hamid from Aesthetique Dental Care.

"Your enamel softens temporarily when you eat, especially foods high in acids. Brushing during this vulnerable period can wear away the softened enamel, which leads to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of discolouration."

When brushing in the evening after dinner, for example, the dentist adds, "Waiting about 30 minutes after eating before brushing allows your saliva to naturally neutralise the acids in your mouth. This waiting period helps harden the enamel again." He explains that brushing too soon means you're basically brushing the acids into your teeth, which can accelerate enamel erosion and weaken your teeth over time.

However when it comes to the morning, there's a different way to do it.

Young man home eating breakfast and working on the laptop
It's important to brush your teeth before breakfast. (Getty Images) (blackCAT via Getty Images)

"A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth before breakfast and rinse your mouth with water afterwards," says Dr Hamid.

"Brushing before breakfast helps remove overnight bacteria and plaque that have built up. Rinsing with water after your meal can help wash away food particles and acids without damaging the enamel."

And maintaining oral health isn't just about the timing of your brushing.

"It's also crucial to consider what you eat and how frequently you consume food and beverages. Snacking on sugary or acidic foods throughout the day keeps your mouth acidic, which is detrimental to your enamel. Limiting snacking and choosing healthier options can significantly benefit your dental health," the dentist urges.

When it comes to children's teeth, he explains they're particularly susceptible to damage because their enamel is still developing. "Teaching them to wait before brushing after meals and encouraging them to rinse with water can help protect their teeth from erosion and cavities. Instilling these habits early on promotes lifelong dental health."

Dr Hamid adds, "Many people don't realise that brushing too soon after meals can cause more harm than good. By rinsing with water and waiting for a while before brushing, you can maintain a healthier balance in your mouth." But remember, always brush before breakfast if you can.

Advertisement