‘I’m a dentist and this is the exact time you should brush your teeth’

We all know that brushing your teeth twice a day is key, but did you know you could be brushing them at the wrong time? Yes, even if you brush twice a day, you could still be doing it wrong.

The warning comes as an expert has shared that the timing of your brushing routine can affect plaque build-up, enamel strength and your long-term oral health. According to dentist Dr Murray Pratt, from Forever Dental and Skin, the time of day you brush – and how long you wait after eating or drinking – can dramatically change how effectively you protect your teeth and gums.

He stresses: “Most patients focus primarily on how often they brush. However, the timing of toothbrushing can significantly influence how well we maintain the health of the teeth and gums throughout the day.”

The ideal morning brushing time

Dr Pratt notes that the “sweet spot” for brushing in the morning is around 7:15 am, or shortly after waking up. “During the night, oral bacteria multiply significantly. That is why many people wake with a coated feeling on their teeth and a noticeable morning breath. Brushing soon after waking helps to disrupt this bacterial build-up before it progresses.”

This means that whilst many people enjoy a lie-in, especially after a long week at work, it is worth remembering that the longer you stay in bed, the more time plaque-causing bacteria have to multiply.

Brushing early with a fluoride toothpaste helps to:

• Clear away plaque and bacteria that have built up overnight
• Freshen your breath
• Lower the risk of decay and gum inflammation

Why you should brush before breakfast

As soon as you wake up, you should brush your teeth. It may seem like the wrong thing to do, and orange juice tastes pretty horrible with a minty fresh breath, but by doing it first, you are protecting your teeth.

The expert explains: “When you brush first thing in the morning, you are not only removing plaque. You are also applying a protective fluoride layer over the enamel before exposing it to acidic or sugary foods and drinks.”

Not only does brushing first create a barrier against acids, but it also stimulates saliva production, which helps break down food and neutralise harmful bacteria. If you like to feel extra fresh after eating, the expert recommends rinsing with water or using mouthwash instead of brushing immediately.

Why you should not brush straight after breakfast

Brushing immediately after breakfast can actually damage your teeth, especially if your meal includes acidic or sugary items. Common breakfast choices like orange juice, fruit smoothies, cereals and toast with jam are often acidic or high in sugar, which temporarily softens tooth enamel.

If you tend to brush while your “enamel is still in a softened state, you can gradually wear away the outer surface”, Dr Pratt warns. “This can occur even when someone believes they are being very diligent with their oral care.”

Instead, he advises drinking plain water after breakfast to help rinse away acids or using mouthwash if you need a quick refresh before leaving the house. He also suggests that people wait 30 to 60 minutes after eating if you plan to brush.

Night-time brushing

Now you know what to do in the morning, what should you do at night? Pratt notes: “Ideally, you should go to bed with teeth that are as clean as possible, rather than leaving food debris and sugars on them for several hours.”

For optimal nighttime protection, brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste and ensure that brushing is the final step in your evening routine.

After brushing, avoid snacks, soft drinks, tea, juice and alcohol, and only drink plain water. This is because saliva flow naturally decreases while you sleep, which means your mouth is less able to neutralise acids. Going to bed with clean teeth significantly reduces the chance of decay.

Why you should avoid brushing straight after coffee

If you drink coffee in the morning or throughout the day, it is best not to brush immediately afterwards. This is because coffee is acidic, and brushing straight away can spread the acid across the tooth surface and increase the risk of enamel erosion over time.

With this in mind, Pratt notes that you should wait around half an hour. He says: “It is sensible to allow a short interval after coffee. Ideally, wait 20–30 minutes before brushing. During that time, rinsing with water can help dilute acidity and minimise staining.”