It's not after breakfast: the best time to brush your teeth and prevent tartar.
A dentist revealed when to brush your teeth to eliminate bacteria and prevent tartar more effectively.
What is the best time to brush your teeth and avoid tartar, according to an expert
Brushing your teeth is part of the daily routine for millions of people, but very few know that the time we do it can make the difference between a healthy mouth and one plagued by bacteria.
Although many think that the most logical thing is to brush after breakfast, a dental expert revealed that this habit may not be the most suitable for preventing tartar buildup. Tartar is a hardened bacterial plaque that adheres to teeth and gums, and its presence can lead to problems such as cavities, bad breath, and even periodontal diseases.
The dentist María Rubio, known for sharing professional advice on social media, explained that the best time to brush your teeth is right after waking up and before consuming any food.
Why should you brush before breakfast?
During the night, while we sleep, the body reduces saliva production. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply in the mouth, as saliva acts as a natural defense against those microorganisms. That is why upon waking we feel bad breath: it is the direct result of bacterial accumulation during rest.
If you have breakfast without brushing first, the bacteria that accumulated overnight mix with the food. This enhances bacterial activity, raises oral acidity, and can wear down tooth enamel, leaving the way clear for tartar formation.
Therefore, brushing before breakfast is key to reducing that bacterial load and protecting both enamel and gums.
What experts say about the ideal frequency
Beyond the specific time, the frequency of brushing is also fundamental. Dentists recommend:
- Brushing two to three times a day, preferably after each meal.
- Performing a deep brushing before bed, as nighttime is when the mouth is most exposed to bacterial development.
- Not replacing brushing with mouthwash: liquids complement, but do not substitute the mechanical action of the brush.
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How to perform proper brushing
It is not enough to choose the right time. For brushing to be truly effective, the technique also matters. Here are the basic steps recommended by professionals:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging enamel and gums.
- Make short, gentle movements, focusing on each group of teeth.
- Clean well along the gum line, where the most plaque accumulates.
- Brush the chewing surfaces and the inner surfaces of the teeth.
- Don't forget the tongue, as bacteria responsible for bad breath reside there.
Additionally, it is important to change the toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles are visibly worn.
What if I still want to brush after breakfast?
If you prefer to brush after eating, especially after an acidic breakfast (with orange juice, citrus fruits, or coffee), it is advisable to wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. This gives the enamel time to rebalance and prevents damage from immediate brushing in an acidic environment.
A good strategy might be to brush before breakfast to eliminate accumulated bacteria, and then use mouthwash or chew sugar-free gum after eating, instead of brushing immediately.
Taking care of your mouth is taking care of your health
Oral hygiene is not just an aesthetic issue. Tartar and bacterial plaque can cause inflammations, infections, loss of dental pieces, and even systemic complications if not controlled in time.
That is why, in addition to daily brushing, it is essential to visit the dentist at least once every six months, have professional cleanings, and be alert to any signs of bleeding, sensitivity, or persistent bad breath.
And it all starts with a small habit: brushing before having your breakfast.