PRESERVE YOUR TEETH IN NEW YORK CITY
What Is the Best Time to Brush Your Teeth?
Dental professionals have long recommended brushing your teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and again in the evening before going to bed. Some people believe it is best to brush first thing in the morning, while others prefer to wait until after breakfast.
So, when is the best time to brush your teeth?
Brush Your Teeth Early
With new research into oral pH balance, dentists now know that enamel begins to demineralize at a pH of approximately 5.0 to 5.5.
During demineralization, minerals in your teeth—primarily calcium—leave the hard tissues, including the enamel and dentin, and enter the saliva. This causes the enamel to become softer and more vulnerable. Saliva plays an important role in balancing the mouth’s pH levels and helping to neutralize acid attacks.
The best time to brush your teeth in the morning is immediately after waking up. During the night, bacteria multiply inside the mouth and lower the pH of the oral environment.
Brushing after you wake up removes this bacterial buildup and leaves the teeth feeling clean and smooth. Fluoride toothpaste also helps strengthen the enamel. After cleaning your teeth, the pH of your mouth moves closer to neutral, helping prepare your teeth for morning coffee and breakfast.
What Happens When We Eat?
Every time we eat, the pH level in the mouth drops and becomes more acidic. Human tooth enamel begins to soften at a pH of approximately 5.0 to 5.5. Acidic foods and beverages, particularly soft drinks, can have very low pH levels.
For this reason, it is unwise to brush your teeth while the enamel is temporarily softened. Toothbrush bristles may contribute to enamel wear and create microscopic abrasions.
After eating, rinse your mouth with plain, still water to help neutralize the acidity. You should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Brush Your Teeth Before Meals
In the evening, it may be beneficial to brush your teeth before dinner. Bacteria have accumulated in the mouth throughout the day, and brushing removes this buildup. Fluoride toothpaste can also help strengthen and protect the enamel before it is exposed to the acids found in foods and beverages.
After dinner, rinse your mouth with plain water. You can then brush a final time before going to bed, provided you wait at least 30 minutes after eating.
This waiting period gives your saliva time to begin neutralizing the acids in your mouth. Brushing immediately after a meal could damage enamel while it is temporarily softened.
Brushing too frequently or aggressively can also place unnecessary strain on your teeth and gums. For the best results, we recommend brushing three times per day:
- First thing in the morning
- Before dinner
- Before going to bed
Remember to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth.
