What are the best times to brush my teeth?

Here at Cal Select Dental Group, we know that maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for not only a beautiful smile, but your overall health. One of the most common questions we receive is, "What are the best times to brush my teeth?" Knowing many others must be wondering, we thought we'd share our answer outside the exam room.

However, before we answer that question, we need to clear something up: frequency matters more than timing. Brushing your teeth twice a day is vital in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Whether you brush immediately after dinner or right before bed is a little less important than ensuring you've also brushed earlier in the day.

That in mind, here are the best times to brush:

Brush After Breakfast

Many people brush their teeth right when they wake up in the morning. While we commend them for sticking to a routine, we recommend waiting until after your first meal.

Why? Brushing your teeth after breakfast helps remove any food particles and bacteria that may have accumulated overnight AND during your morning meal.

If you're going for the gold star, wait for at least 30 minutes after eating to brush. This gives your saliva time to neutralize the acid produced by the food you consumed. Brushing too soon after that morning OJ can lead to enamel erosion.

Brush Before Bedtime

Brushing your teeth before bedtime is critical. It helps remove the day's accumulated plaque, bacteria, and food debris. You'll also reduce the potential for bacterial growth during the night.

When you brush your teeth in the evening really depends on your eating and drinking habits. For example, someone who routinely eats an early dinner and a late-night snack should brush right before bedtime. If dinner is often the last time you during your day,  there's no need to wait until pajamas are on. 

Whichever time works best for you, just ensure 30 minutes have passed since you've eaten. Just like at breakfast, you'll want to give your saliva time to neutralize the acid.

If you have any questions or need professional dental care, reach out to us. We're here to help you achieve optimal oral health and keep your smile shining bright.