According to experts, the best time to brush your teeth is

When is the best time to brush your teeth?

While there are differing opinions within the dental community, Dr. Jossen Gastelum, a Phoenix-based dentist better known on TikTok as @doctorjossen, an advocate of brushing your teeth before breakfast.

“In my opinion, brushing your teeth before breakfast helps put a protective layer on your teeth and can even help stimulate saliva flow before breakfast,” shares Gastelum Assets. “When you sleep, salivation decreases and many people suffer from dry mouth for various reasons. Saliva helps balance the acid levels in the mouth. This means your teeth are more vulnerable to acid attacks right after you wake up in the morning – not to mention morning breath.”

However, if you insist on brushing your teeth after the first meal of the day, Gastelum recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after eating because the acids in your food and drinks (especially coffee) can damage tooth enamel, while the acids in Your food and drinks (especially coffee) can damage your tooth enamel. The Dental Association recommends waiting at least an hour after eating before brushing your teeth.

“It takes your saliva about 30 minutes to reduce the acids in your mouth back to a safe level,” he says. “In the meantime, you can rinse with either water or an alkaline mouthwash like Therabreath to neutralize the acids in your mouth while your saliva gets to work.”

How often should you brush your teeth?

You should try to brush your teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning and once before bed.

“Both times are equally important in my opinion, but before bed is especially important because you want to remove any plaque that has built up throughout the day,” says Gastelum. “I like to tell kids (and some adults): brush your teeth at night to keep your teeth, and brush your teeth in the morning to keep your friends.”

If you plan to brush your teeth at midday, such as after lunch, Gastelum recommends waiting 30 minutes after eating to avoid getting acids into your teeth. However, keep in mind that brushing more teeth does not automatically lead to better oral health.

“I think most people’s first instinct is that the more you clean, the better it is,” he says. “I agree that mechanical plaque removal is the best way to prevent tooth decay and improve gum health, but there is no need to brush compulsively as long as you do it well in the morning and evening before bed.”

The best way to brush your teeth

Most dentists recommend a soft or extra-soft toothbrush. Adults should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums while brushing back and forth in short strokes to reach each tooth. Aggressive tooth brushing can lead to gum recession and tooth enamel wear.

“If you have an electric toothbrush, apply very gentle pressure and glide the toothbrush over each tooth at a 45 degree angle toward the gums on the outer and inner surfaces and then directly onto the top of your teeth,” says Gastelum. “Let the brush do all the work – that’s why you bought it.”

You should also change your toothbrush every three to four months or at any time after an illness.

Other ways to protect your teeth

Good oral health is also an indication of overall health. Recently, researchers have linked gum disease to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and even erectile dysfunction.

In addition to brushing your teeth regularly, flossing is important to keep your gums optimally healthy. Flossing at least once a day can help reduce the risk of cavities between teeth.

“Water flossers, such as WaterPik, are also great tools that really improve gum health, especially for patients with poor dexterity,” says Gastelum. “Scraping the tongue is also highly underestimated and is important for reducing bad bacteria in the mouth.”

Using mouthwash five minutes before brushing your teeth can help combat bad breath in the morning, although alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out your mouth.

If you have trouble brushing your teeth regularly, Gastelum recommends finding a flavor of toothpaste that you enjoy using. investing in an electric toothbrush (many of which have built-in timers so you know exactly how long to brush); and brushing your teeth with a friend, family member or roommate.

“It helps build connections and also motivates you to make it a lasting habit,” he says.

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