Preventing cavities is as simple as removing the plaque using fluoride toothpaste. We all know that we should make sure our kids brush their teeth twice a day, but when exactly does this fit best in their morning routine? Is it better for them to brush before or after eating their nutritious breakfast?
Experts have differing opinions. Some say that brushing before eating is better for tooth enamel. Others claim that brushing after breakfast is okay when following some simple guidelines. Here we discuss when your kids should brush their teeth in the morning.
When To Brush
Those who believe that teeth should be brushed before breakfast rely on the fact that while sleeping plaque-causing bacteria build up. When sleeping, their mouths dry out making the perfect atmosphere for them to breed. Giving their teeth a coat of protection against acids in food can help to protect their enamel.
It’s also a great way to get your saliva production going. When they sleep, saliva production slows to just 10 to 15% of the regular capacity. The saliva in their mouths protects against decay and infection. Brushing first thing is also great if they hate morning breath.
If your kids are brushing after eating breakfast due to the toothpaste taste, it’s not the end of the world. But there are some tips to follow. Orange juice, citrus fruits, bread, and pasties can weaken tooth enamel. So, they should wait at least half an hour after eating breakfast to brush their teeth. Before they brush make sure they drink a glass of water or chew sugar-free gum.
Frequency of Brushing is Most Important
Choosing to brush before or after is important, but the most important thing is that they brush their teeth at least twice a day.
How to Properly Brush Your Teeth
No matter when they choose to brush, make sure they are doing it properly. This is how brushing should be done:
- Wet the brush with water and add a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Brush at a 45-degree angle to get the hard-to-reach spots. Brush the front, sides, and chewing surface.
- Brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface.
- Use short sweeping strokes, angling the bristles into the crevices.
- Brush the tongue to get rid of any bacteria deposited while brushing the teeth.
- Brush for at least two minutes. Use an egg timer or an hourglass to ensure to let them know when that time is up.
- Spit and rinse the mouth with water
- Floss to get the spaces between the teeth.
- And rinse the mouth once again.
Protecting the enamel of your child’s teeth is important to avoid the pain of infections and tooth decay. It also saves you money in dental care. No matter when you brush, before or after eating, it’s important to brush every morning for two minutes to remove bacteria and plaque. Choose whatever works best for your kids. In addition to taking care of their teeth at home, make sure they regularly visit their dentist for regular cleanings and maintenance.
Schedule your family’s next dental cleaning and exam with us, at the dental office of Dr. Stephen Coates in Long Beach. Call us at 562-434-6414 or request an appointment using this link here.
