Episode #36: Should You Brush Before or After Breakfast?

One of the first rituals a child is taught is to brush their teeth after breakfast. And up until 10 years ago, Dr. B was giving this same advice to patients. However, with the discovery of the oral microbiome, science is no longer pointing to this as best practice. Today Dr. B addresses the question “What is the benefit of brushing our teeth before or after our first meal of the day?” Tune in to hear how eating causes an acid wash within our mouths, and how brushing during this results in enamel demineralization. Find out the role of the oral microbiome in the production of acid following eating, and why disinfecting the mouth doesn’t work (and can even be harmful). Dr. B uses a simple analogy to describe the mechanical benefits of brushing and flossing in disrupting the biofilm and explains the pros and cons of the timing of your morning brushing. Listen in to find out why you should be changing your brushing habits!Key Points From This Episode:Why Dr. B’s answer to today’s question differs from his answer 15 years agoToday’s question: “What is the benefit of brushing our teeth before or after our first meal of the day?”How eating causes acid exposure in the mouthThe mechanism underlying tooth decay by acid washHow our understanding of this process has changed due to the discovery of the oral microbiomeWhy disinfecting the mouth doesn’t work, and is bad for youKeeping the oral microbiome commensal: brushing and flossing at the right timeHow the oral microbiome protects your teethWeeding the garden: an analogy for disrupting the biofilmHow the biofilm is affected by sleepWhy brushing right after eating can cause enamel damage by acid exposure and demineralization The two best times to brush your teeth in the morning: before eating or 30 minutes afterHow the mechanical action of brushing and flossing helps the oral microbiomeWhy brushing right after an unhealthy meal doesn’t undo the damageWhy you need to brush your teeth even if you don’t eat in the morningThe role of functional dentistry in changing the status quo and staying up to date with science How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ask the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryCheck Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!! Check out Dr. B's website for more information: https://askthedentist.com Subscribe to Dr. B's newsletter Mondays with Mark: https://askthedentist.com/newsletter