Well! Wouldn't you like to know the right time to brush your teeth?

If you are amongst those who brush their teeth right after waking up, after dinner or after every meal and wonder what is the actual time to brush your teeth, then you are at a right place to find your answer.

Plaque is a sticky white film that is formed on our teeth and contains bacteria. Any sugary food that we eat is acted upon by the bacteria producing acid that attack the protective layer of our teeth i.e., the enamel and leads to its breakdown causing cavities. Therefore one should always brush to loosen the plaque and wash away food debris and acid from the surface of our teeth.

Brushing your teeth in the morning before breakfast

At night the salivary flow is reduced. Therefore there is less saliva to wash the plaque and food debris those harbor bacteria releasing enamel dissolving acids. Brushing teeth in the morning before breakfast will reduce bacteria, limit acid production, decrease bad breath and also will introduce Fluoride (major component of toothpastes) into plaque to reduce the damage. So, brushing teeth after waking up is a good way to start a day.

Brushing your teeth in the morning after breakfast

Some people prefer brushing teeth after breakfast. If your breakfast is acidic (Orange juice, grapefruit) then brushing right away after consumption will damage teeth. Acidic food will weaken enamel and by brushing too soon after breakfast will make the enamel vulnerable to abrasion (wearing off) even if you are using a soft bristled toothbrush. Therefore, one should wait for at least 30 minutes to brush their teeth after breakfast and also can definitely consider brushing teeth after sugary breakfast as it will facilitate bacterial load .

Brushing your teeth after dinner

Throughout the day, the food we eat, drinks we consume make our teeth go through a lot in the form of sugar, bacteria and food debris. Brushing at the end of the day is advised to clean away food particles stuck to your teeth and reduce bacterial colonization and acids produced by them. A clean and healthy mouth before bed will get you good sleep.

Brushing your teeth after ever meal

After every meal brushing of teeth is rarely necessary and not advised. Carrying toothpaste and toothbrush is often not possible. Brushing twice a day in the morning and evening is sufficient to get you well along the whole day. Instead it is advised to rinse your mouth thoroughly after meals with water to clear your mouth of any debris.

In a nutshell, one should follow 2*2 rule as advocated by American Dental Association. Brushing two times daily in the morning before breakfast and in the evening before bed and after dinner for 2 minutes is good to go for a good oral hygiene status. Drink plenty of water to clear away food stuck in your teeth and acids produced by bacteria. One can take alkaline mouth rinses or chew sugar free gum after consuming food to feel pleasant and healthy.