When should I brush my teeth?

Everyone has their own routine of tooth brushing according to what fits in with their lives. Dentists recommend that teeth are brushed at least twice a day but when is it best to do this? Read on for more information.

The preferred routine tends to be to brush your teeth first thing in the morning and last thing at night. This is sensible for several reasons. It is actually night time when your teeth are in danger of sustaining serious build ups of plaque. If you have not brushed your teeth since the morning and fail to do so at night then all the food debris and plaque from everything you have eaten will be sitting in your mouth all night long. This is doubly dangerous at night because when you are asleep, saliva production is very low. Saliva is a vital natural defence against plaque and debris and so it is important to remove these substances from your mouth before you sleep.

Brushing after breakfast is sensible, especially if you are going to be at work all day. This gives your mouth a fresh start to the day by removing the plaque which has built up in the night. The process of brushing also stimulates the production of saliva which is useful when you wake with a dry mouth after the decreased saliva production of night time. Use toothpaste containing fluoride so that your enamel is strengthened.

Some people like to brush after eating too. This is especially worthwhile if you have just consumed food or drink which is high in sugar or starch. These foods produce the most plaque, so brushing after eating them stops a greater build up from threatening your teeth and gums. If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to brush your teeth but are concerned about plaque building up, you might wish to chew chewing gum. It helps to remove some plaque and food debris, contributes to saliva production and freshens breath too.

Of course brushing your teeth with the right toothpaste is the optimum way to deal with plaque and ensure that your mouth stays healthy.