Brushing your teeth at least twice daily is an essential part of good oral hygiene, but the time of day you brush is also important. At night, the best time to brush for most people is just before bed. This helps remove any food particles and bacteria left in your mouth at the end of the day. But what about in the morning? If your mouth is clean when you go to bed, doesn't it make sense to wait to brush your teeth until after eating breakfast in the morning? The answer might surprise you.

Waiting to brush your teeth until after breakfast may actually be harmful to your teeth. Coffee, juice, pastries, citrus fruits and other popular breakfast items are often filled with sugar and highly acidic. Consuming these foods and drinks early in the morning feeds the bacteria that has grown in your mouth overnight and softens the protective enamel on your teeth. If you brush right after breakfast, your toothbrush bristles can damage the weakened enamel, allowing bacteria to sink deeper into your teeth. This is why the American Dental Association recommends waiting 30-60 minutes after eating to brush. 

Brushing your teeth before having breakfast in the morning gets rid of the plaque that has built up during the night and coats your enamel with a protective barrier against sugars and acids in your meal. It also boosts saliva production, which significantly slows down when you are asleep. Saliva helps break down the food you eat and naturally guards against harmful bacteria. 

Get the most out of your dental hygiene routine. By brushing your teeth as soon as you wake up in the morning and just before bed at night, you can keep your smile clean and healthy for the entire day.