Morning ritual mistakes: How incorrect toothbrushing impacts health

Brushing teeth is a vital step in the morning routine. Yet, many people still brush their teeth incorrectly. Even a slight mistake can harm the enamel and lead to unpleasant consequences. How should you brush your teeth? Here are a few tips worth knowing.

Brushing your teeth involves more than a two-minute oral care routine. The timing, technique, and subsequent care are crucial. The procedure is incomplete without this, and neglect can result in cavities and gum diseases. So, how can you brush your teeth without causing harm?

If the first thing you do in the morning is brew coffee and eat breakfast, only brushing your teeth afterward, you're making a significant error. Although brushing your teeth after eating seems logical, it's best to do it right after waking up. Why? Throughout the night, many bacteria accumulate in the mouth, which should be removed before the first meal. Having breakfast first transfers pathogens from the teeth further into the body, which isn't safe.

Brushing your teeth before breakfast stimulates saliva production and aids in digestion. Moreover, saliva contains compounds that help neutralize some of the bacteria in the mouth. Brushing your teeth both before and after breakfast is ideal, but there's a catch.

Brushing your teeth after breakfast shouldn't happen immediately after the meal. You need to wait at least half an hour before brushing. This is because the enamel could have been slightly weakened during eating, especially if you consume acidic products, making the teeth more sensitive. Brushing too soon after breakfast may further weaken the enamel.

Traditionally, brushing your teeth is meant to last two minutes, both morning and night. This rule is effective, provided you brush thoroughly without missing any part of the oral cavity. While brushing, it's advisable to use a sweeping motion to remove all plaque and food debris. The tongue, a haven for many bacteria and pathogens, should also not be overlooked. Special tongue brushes are available to help maintain proper hygiene.

Do you rinse your mouth after brushing? While many of us were taught to do this as children, it turns out that teeth should not be rinsed with water or mouthwash immediately after brushing. Rinsing washes away most of the fluoride, which is crucial for tooth protection. It's best to wait half an hour after brushing before rinsing, allowing fluoride time to create a protective layer on the teeth. Only then is the brushing process complete and fully effective.