The answer to this question is understandable, but unfortunately not so easy. It depends on what you eat for breakfast! Whether you just drink coffee, eat a croissant or muesli with fresh fruit, it plays a big role for your teeth.

In general, it is a good idea to brush your teeth in the morning before breakfast, as bacteria can grow and multiply unhindered overnight. By morning, a coating of bacteria known as biofilm has formed. This is why we sometimes have an unpleasant taste in our mouth in the morning. It is therefore advisable to go to the bathroom and brush your teeth immediately after getting up.

However, if you eat a lot of sweet things for breakfast, such as jam, honey or croissants with chocolate filling, it is better to brush your teeth afterwards. This will remove both the biofilm and food residue. This also applies to a breakfast with a lot of carbohydrates, such as white bread, muesli or porridge, as carbohydrates are an ideal food source for bacteria.

It is also advisable to brush your teeth after a meal if, for example, you drink a lot of coffee or black tea, which can discolor your teeth. In this case, you should thoroughly remove all color particles with the toothbrush to avoid discoloration.

The situation is different if you eat breakfast that consists mainly of fresh fruit. The acid that is contained in high concentrations in many fruits attacks the surface of the teeth and makes them really soft. The bristles of the toothbrush can cause additional damage to the already damaged tooth enamel. In this case, it is better to brush your teeth before breakfast, as the enamel has not yet been attacked by the acid. In addition, the fluoride contained in most conventional toothpastes forms a protective film on the teeth that further protects them from acid attacks. To ensure that the protective film can form properly, it is important to spit out the toothpaste after at least two minutes. Another tip: after eating a lot of fruit, it is advisable to rinse your mouth thoroughly to dilute the remaining acid.

take your time

Finally, it also depends on what your daily routine looks like. It is important to take enough time to brush your teeth in the morning and evening and not to be distracted. Thoroughness is crucial when brushing your teeth. So if you only have enough time after breakfast because the children are already out of the house, it is better to brush after that rather than rushing to do it beforehand. The toothpaste needs enough time to penetrate the tooth surface and it also takes just two to three minutes to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces and gaps. Routine is an important keyword here: people who have a fixed morning routine are more likely to take the time they need than someone who is hectic and messes everything up.

Technology

Regardless of whether you brush before or after breakfast, it is important to follow the correct brushing technique. The toothbrush should be placed on the teeth with little pressure. You should tilt the toothbrush head at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Circular movements are best. The teeth have three surfaces that need to be cleaned: the cheek, the chewing surface and the tongue or palate. Brushing should take at least 2 minutes. Under no circumstances should you do without dental floss or interdental brushes, as most bacteria and food particles accumulate between the teeth. Many problems such as gingivitis, tooth decay and periodontitis have their origin in poorly cared for interdental spaces. After brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to avoid swallowing any toothpaste residue. After brushing, you can check whether your teeth feel smooth. If so, you have most likely done everything right!