Few people have always wondered whether it’s better to brush teeth before or after breakfast. Some do it as soon as they wake up to feel fresh, while others wait until they’ve eaten.
On the internet, this debate pops up a lot, but dental experts say the answer depends on what you eat and your own dental health.
At night, the amount of saliva in your mouth drops, and bacteria multiply quickly. These bacteria love breakfast foods, especially those with high sugar, and they produce acids when they break down these sugars, which ultimately weaken the hard outer layer of your teeth, called enamel.[1]
Brushing at the wrong time can actually hurt your teeth, especially if you’ve just had acidic foods like orange juice or coffee or sugary foods.
When you eat or drink something sour or sugary, the acid level in your mouth goes up temporarily. This can make tooth enamel softer for a while. Experts say you should wait at least an hour after eating sour foods before you brush, to protect your enamel from erosion.[1]
A recent study found that rinsing with water before breakfast and brushing after your meal can lower cavity causing germs by nearly 40%.[2] Both brushing times have benefits; your choice depends on what you eat for breakfast.
Both timings: brushing before or after breakfast have scientific merit, but your ideal routine depends on what you eat, how you brush, and your dental condition.
Children should brush before breakfast, so they don’t forget and get fluoride protection.
Adults need to decide according to their breakfast. If you are planning to eat something sour or sweet, brush before eating. If your breakfast isn’t acidic (like eggs or bread), you can brush after but wait 30–60 minutes.
Seniors often have drier mouths and weaker enamel. Brushing before breakfast is safest, and a soft toothbrush is best.
Dr. Dee, a Dentist from Liverpool, a veneer specialist, explains in his Instagram reel that brushing right after acidic foods can actually rub away the softened enamel layer.
Knowing what you are going to eat in the morning helps you pick the safest time for brushing.
In India, many people brush as soon as they wake up. This fits with morning prayers, wanting fresh breath, and busy mornings.
If you have sensitivity, brushing right after sour or sweet foods can make sensitivity worse. Dentists recommend using a soft brush, gentle toothpaste[1], waiting an hour after eating before brushing. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with water instead.
Rinse your mouth with water when you wake up.
Brush before breakfast with fluoride toothpaste.
Eat breakfast.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating.
If you want, brush again after 45–60 minutes with gentle strokes.
In the U.S, many prefer brushing after breakfast.[1] In India, brushing before breakfast is most popular. There’s no single rule for everyone. The key is to protect your enamel and keep your mouth free of harmful germs. Choose your routine based on what you eat and what works for you.
Reference
Sahoo, Sujit Ranjan; Nandini D. B.; Basandi Praveen S.; Selvamani M.; Donoghue Mandana. 2022. “A Comparison of Pre- and Postbreakfast Tooth Brushing in Caries Prevention through the Estimation of Streptococcus mutans Counts: A Prospective Clinical and Microbiological Study.” Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure 10 (4): 168-73. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmau.jmau_90_21.
Reviewed and edited by Dr. Theresa Lily Thomas, BDS.
