When should I brush my teeth?

Good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile and overall health. Most people brush their teeth every day, but you might be asking yourself when the best time is to brush.

Let’s explore the ideal times to brush your teeth and why it’s important.

Understanding Acid Attacks on our Teeth 
Every time you eat or drink, bacteria use this as food and start to produce acids that damage your teeth. Having an acidic pH in your mouth can cause tooth erosion, or wearing away of the enamel (outer layer of tooth). This can change the appearance of your teeth, make them more sensitive, and make them more susceptible to cavities.

The good news is that your saliva will neutralize this acid attack in approximately 30 minutes. Waiting 1 hour after meals to brush your teeth is ideal. This gives your saliva a chance to return to a neutral pH, wash away acids, and stop tooth erosion.

Morning Routine: Start Your Day Fresh 
People often wake up with smelly breath in the morning. Key factors contributing to this are a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, decreased saliva production, food particles left in the mouth, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and certain strong-smelling foods.

Brushing as soon as you wake up will leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean for the day.

After Meals: Keep Plaque Away
Brushing after meals can help remove any food particles but remember to ideally wait 1 hour after meals to brush to avoid damaging your enamel.

Before Bed: End Your Day Right
Brushing before bed is the most critical time to brush. Throughout the day, your mouth accumulates bacteria and food particles. When you go to sleep, you are most susceptible to cavities and gum disease due to reduced saliva. By removing the plaque, you prevent oral disease. Also, remember to clean between your teeth, bacteria like to hide in hard-to-reach areas.

• Additional tips to help protect your teeth
  Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes.
• Don’t snack or sip on acidic beverages throughout the day. Give your mouth time to recover.
• After a more acidic meal or beverage, rinse your mouth with water, drink milk, or enjoy a snack of cheese right afterward. Dairy and other calcium-rich foods can help neutralize acids (Mouthhealthy, ADA).

TePe offers different sizes of toothbrushes for the different stages of life. TePe toothbrushes are efficient, durable, and easy to use. All our toothbrushes have a tapered brush head for better accessibility and to reduce the gag reflex.

Read more HERE.