NHS Doctor Explains Why You Should Brush Your Teeth Before Breakfast, Not After.

According to ТСН: Brushing your teeth in the morning may not be as effective as it seems if done at the wrong time. A medical expert explained why regular oral hygiene often does not protect against gum diseases and pointed out the optimal moment for daily teeth brushing in the morning.

Expert Recommendations for Teeth Brushing

Dr. Suraj Kukadia from the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK indicated that most people do not brush their teeth properly throughout their lives. He advises brushing before breakfast, not after.

"You should brush your teeth before breakfast, not after. When we eat, acid forms in the mouth that softens the protective layer of the tooth (enamel). If you brush your teeth immediately after eating, the brush literally "rubs" this acid into your teeth, causing the enamel to deteriorate faster," explained Suraj.

The doctor added that brushing before breakfast helps remove bacteria that have accumulated overnight, while fluoride in toothpaste provides protection throughout the day.

Evening Teeth Brushing

Regarding evening brushing, the doctor recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after eating. This time is necessary for the oral environment to restore before the hygiene procedure.

Dipa Chopra, a dentist at Whites Dental, also supports this view. She advises following a simple rule: brush your teeth before breakfast, and after eating, just rinse your mouth with water.

Brushing teeth before meals effectively removes bacteria and plaque that accumulated overnight, while rinsing with water after breakfast safely washes away food residues and acid. The dentist noted that during meals, especially if the food is acidic, the tooth enamel temporarily softens. If you start brushing your teeth at this moment, the brush can seriously damage the tooth's protective layer, even though such brushing seems logical for fresh breath at first glance.

NHS Recommendations for Dental Health

To maintain dental health, the NHS advises:

• brush your teeth twice a day;

• thoroughly clean food between your teeth;

• reduce sugar intake;

• quit smoking (if you smoke);

• limit alcohol consumption;

• regularly undergo dental check-ups.

Remember, earlier doctors spoke about possible causes of a metallic taste in the mouth. Specialists note that this may not only be a temporary discomfort but also a signal of a serious threat to health.