Morning vs. Night: When Does Your Oral Care Routine Matter the Most?

By Your Health Magazine

The official recommendation is to brush your teeth twice daily, with some countries encouraging three times or more! While the number of times we brush is important, so is when we do it. While some people swear by their morning routine, others believe nighttime oral care is what really counts. In this article, we’ll break down the importance of each and decipher which you should prioritize.

Brushing Your Teeth in the Morning

Like most people, you probably start your day by brushing your teeth, or if you’re really on top of your dental hygiene, by combining brushing with other oral care products like floss and mouthwash. Either way, the vast majority find it hard to imagine not getting rid of morning breath as soon as they wake up. Morning breath is the result of billions of bacteria multiplying throughout the night. Unsurprisingly, our instinct is to freshen up.

Not only does brushing in the morning get rid of bacteria, but it also improves the smell of our breath, much to the relief of anyone we speak to. A morning brush removes plaque before it hardens to tartar as well.

The Great Debate: Brushing Before or After Breakfast?

Much like washing your legs in the shower, whether you brush your teeth before or after breakfast has been the source of a societal divide. On the one hand, brushing first thing in the morning means you start the day fresh, while brushing after eating means you wash away any pesky food remnants.

Most dentists advise you to brush your teeth before your morning meal. This is because anything acidic you eat or drink (like coffee or orange juice) can temporarily weaken tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth when they’re in a weakened state can damage them, which is why dentists recommend you wait up to an hour before brushing. Minty orange juice may not taste as nice, but a pre-breakfast brush is best!

Brushing Your Teeth Before Bed

Oral care is an important part of any healthy bedtime routine. It helps wash away food particles so they’re not hanging around in your mouth overnight and protects gums against inflammation and disease. Nighttime brushing also reduces plaque buildup, preventing cavities. If you’re ever tempted to skip brushing before bed, don’t: you’re giving bacteria a free pass to damage your teeth while you sleep. You produce less saliva at night, so your mouth is drier. This is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause decay. No matter how tired you are, never neglect a nighttime brush (and, if you want perfect teeth, floss).

Endnote

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is absolutely non-negotiable if you want good oral hygiene. Flossing is also important to get rid of hidden debris. For the best protection, brush for at least two minutes, although three to four is better, and maintain a consistent routine morning and night. This will help keep your teeth strong, your gums healthy, and your breath minty fresh.