Brushing your teeth before breakfast

Following a survey, the British Dental Foundation found that over three quarters of people (81%) do not know that brushing their teeth after eating acidic foods and drinks can permanently damage their teeth.

Indeed, acidic foods and drinks, such as orange, grapefruit and fruit juices that are often eaten at breakfast, soften the enamel of your teeth, so this outer part of the crown of teeth can be damaged by brushing immediately after breakfast thus causing tooth erosion which can lead to pain and extreme sensitivity in the teeth, and also lead to cosmetic problems.

The saliva neutralizes the acidity in the mouth and restore its natural balance. However, research has shown that it can take up to an hour.

Over time, regular consumption of acidic foods and beverages throughout the day can lead to loss of the surface of your teeth. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

  • Brush your teeth before breakfast or wait an hour after eating or drinking anything before brushing.
  • Use a straw while drinking acidic beverages to reduce contact with the teeth.
  • Chew sugar-free chewing gum, which will produce more saliva to help clear the acids in the mouth.
  • Finish a meal with cheese or milk to help neutralize acids.

Beverages such as fruit juice and sparkling mineral water are generally considered good for your health. However, they can be very bad for teeth if they are consumed frequently and you do not follow an appropriate dental routine.