Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

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

Nov 16, 2021

20:24

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 ago
Today’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 mouth
The mechanism underlying tooth decay by acid wash
How our understanding of this process has changed due to the discovery of the oral microbiome
Why disinfecting the mouth doesn’t work, and is bad for you
Keeping the oral microbiome commensal: brushing and flossing at the right time
How the oral microbiome protects your teeth
Weeding the garden: an analogy for disrupting the biofilm
How the biofilm is affected by sleep
Why 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 after
How the mechanical action of brushing and flossing helps the oral microbiome
Why brushing right after an unhealthy meal doesn’t undo the damage
Why you need to brush your teeth even if you don’t eat in the morning
The role of functional dentistry in changing the status quo and staying up to date with science