When to Brush Your Teeth in the Morning – Kimberly A. Rosen, DDS

Brushing your teeth in the morning is not just about fresh breath — it is a crucial part of protecting your oral and overall health, In fact, there’s a growing amount of research that shows your dental health goes beyond your teeth and gums. Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits protect not just your mouth, but your heart, lungs, brain and contribute to your overall well-being.
Should you brush before or after breakfast? if you only brush once in the morning, it’s best to do it right after you wake up — before you have anything to eat. In addition to getting rid of that horrible morning breath, it is important to brush your teeth in the morning to remove the plaque and bacteria that developed overnight. That’s because when you’re sleeping, your body doesn’t produce as much saliva as it does when you’re awake so there’s no liquid in your mouth to rinse off bacteria throughout the night. If left on your teeth, it will lead to tooth decay and gum disease. And if you breathe with your mouth open while you sleep — as opposed to breathing through your nose — brushing first thing in the morning is even more important, because breathing through your mouth  dries out the oral tissues, reduces salivary flow and increases plaque build-up.
Brushing beforehand also coats your teeth with protective fluoride, hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate or other minerals that may be in your preferred toothpaste,” says Dr. Rajpal. This protects your teeth from acid attacks when you eat breakfast, especially if it is something sugary or acidic.
Should you brush again after breakfast? it’s also best to wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking, especially if you’ve had acidic coffee or juice. Brushing too soon after acid exposure can damage your enamel, which becomes temporarily softened.
You need to consider how you brush your teeth. The appropriate technique is crucial, Brushing too aggressively can lead to gum recession, erosion of the enamel and sensitivity.
If over-brushing is a concern for you and if you really want a clean, fresh mouth after breakfast or coffee but have already brushed before, try just rinsing instead with a refreshing natural or alcohol-free mouthwash.
Talk to your dentist and/or hygienist about the appropriate brushing technique. They may recommend using a soft-bristled brush with light pressure and avoiding abrasive toothpaste like some that contain baking soda, charcoal or whitening agents.
Brush your teeth right before bed and right when you wake up and floss daily. See your dentist for regular checkups and don’t ignore pain or sensitivity in your mouth.
For any questions or concerns, you may call the office of Kimberly A. Rosen, DDS @ (661)255-2545. Please see our website at: www.kimrosendds.com .