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If you are like most Americans, you probably learned how to care for your teeth at a young age. There was probably a week dedicated to getting to know your teeth in the second grade where an animated tooth told you to brush in the morning and before bed and go easy on the candy. While you may think you know everything you need to know about at-home dental care, you may have lost some of that knowledge along the way. Freshen up your adult oral hygiene routine by brushing up on the basics of caring for your smile.

When is the best time to brush your teeth?

Many people think brushing your teeth immediately after eating is an excessive, yet effective way of brushing your teeth. However, new studies show that brushing your teeth directly after eating might actually be harmful for your tooth enamel. When you eat soft breads, pastries, and other fermentable carbohydrates, your enamel temporarily becomes soft. This is because the enamel is being attacked by sugars and acid formation. Harsh brushing at this stage could actually do more harm to your teeth than good. This is why more dentists recommend brushing before bed and when you get up in the morning.

Why do I have bad breath in the morning?

In fact, brushing at these times in the day is crucial to protecting your teeth. Your mouth relies on saliva to wash away food particles, dead cells, and bacteria to keep your mouth fresh and clean. During the night, your saliva production dramatically drops, leaving you that stale breath feeling in the morning. Brushing before bed will remove the food particles and bacteria that can wreak havoc on your teeth overnight. In the morning, brushing your teeth removes the buildup of dead cells that your saliva did not wash away during your sleep.

Exceptional Dental Care in Riverside

Stay tuned next week for more tips for your oral hygiene including flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash. If you have more questions about alleviating bad breath, preventing cavities, and improving your smile, contact one of our offices nearest you. We serve patients throughout Riverside County, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley.