When you first wake up in the morning, you may notice a fuzzy film on the surface of your teeth. While you sleep, oral bacteria create this gritty plaque, a bacteria-filled substance that can eat away at your dental structure. To remove this plaque and protect your oral health, you know you need to brush your teeth in the morning.
You might not realize that the timing of oral hygiene in your morning regimen may affect the benefits of this practice. Pay attention to your habits to ensure that you can maintain a healthy smile, no matter how hectic your morning begins. Read on to discover advice from your dentist that can help make your morning routine compatible with good oral health.
When to Brush Your Teeth in the Morning
The timing of when to brush your teeth in the morning depends on the rest of your schedule. If you commute to work, you may have a limited window to eat breakfast, complete oral hygiene, and hit the road. People who work from home have more flexibility in their schedules to incorporate a thorough oral hygiene regimen.
Usually, dentists ask their patients to wait one hour after they eat breakfast to brush their teeth. This waiting period proves especially important if they consume acidic foods like coffee, tea, or citrus juices during this meal. The foods and drinks can irritate the enamel. Adding the scrubbing of oral hygiene before the teeth recover could weaken the dental structure.
If you cannot wait to brush your teeth after breakfast, consider brushing your teeth first thing in the morning prior to eating. This way, you can avoid hurting your teeth without compromising your schedule. You can rinse with mouthwash or chew sugar-free gum to freshen your breath before you head out the door.
Breakfast Foods to Help Your Smile
Your diet can play a major role in your oral health. It may prove beneficial to consider breakfast food options that can boost the well-being of your teeth. Acidic, starchy, and sugary foods might contribute to dental erosion. You may want to limit these types of items in your diet.
Instead, look for foods and beverages that can strengthen the teeth. For instance, crunchy foods like apples and nuts can scrape harmful plaque from your teeth, cleaning your smile as you eat.
Dairy products are rich sources of calcium, a mineral that fortifies the enamel, making the teeth better able to fight cavities. Smoothies, cheesy eggs, and yogurt can help your smile while also starting your day with a nutritious breakfast.
Optimal Oral Hygiene Tools
If you want to get the most out of your morning oral hygiene routine, make sure you have the right supplies on hand. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that can scrub your teeth without hurting the enamel.
Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride, another mineral that absorbs into the enamel and strengthens its structure. If you use mouthwash, look for an antibacterial kind that will balance oral bacteria, reducing your risk of infections.