{"id":16,"date":"2024-04-29T18:12:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-29T18:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.timberridgedental.com\/blog\/?p=16"},"modified":"2024-05-29T18:25:01","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T18:25:01","slug":"brushing-after-breakfast-might-harm-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timberridgedental.com\/blog\/2024\/04\/29\/brushing-after-breakfast-might-harm-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Brushing Right After Breakfast Might Harm Your Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s a well-known fact that food, especially sugar, can cause bacteria and plaque to accumulate on teeth if not taken care of promptly. That\u2019s why we brush twice a day \u2013 to dislodge debris and promote oral health. It might make sense, then, to clean your teeth after breakfast. After all, the powdered sugar sprinkled on your donut can\u2019t settle in if it\u2019s immediately removed, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As it turns out, this line of thought might not be that straightforward. If you want to know why and find out how to adjust your morning routine, keep reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Acidic Food Affects Your Teeth Differently than Sugar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bacteria likes sugar as much as we do. Your favorite coffee shop pastry fuels bacteria, allowing the nasty stuff to eat away at our teeth. The acidic quality of your pastry, though, triggers a different sort of problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consuming acidic foods like juice, fruit, coffee, toast, and yes – pastries – softens your enamel. Brushing immediately after breakfast, when your enamel is still tender, could damage your teeth. Because of this, brushing before you eat is generally better and safer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brushing Before You Eat Prepares Your Teeth for Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMorning breath\u201d isn\u2019t only a symptom of teeth that haven\u2019t been polished for an 8-hour sleep cycle. Bacteria creeps in while your body is at rest. To help your mouth feel fresh and save it from developing plaque, it\u2019s best to start your oral routine right after you wake. If you have a toothpaste that contains fluoride, you\u2019ll also empower your enamel with an extra layer of protection against acidic foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your teeth benefit from preparing for the day ahead as much as you do. Brushing as the sun rises prompts your body to produce more saliva. This might sound gross and inconvenient, but saliva breaks down food and bacteria. That sugary donut will be no match for well-primed incisors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To Brush or Not to Brush \u2013 Which is Better?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The short answer is that it\u2019s still better to brush than not brush in the morning. If you just can\u2019t stand the feeling of dirty teeth after you eat, then there are a few tips you can follow to avoid a slippery slope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n