Ask Your Cincinnati Dentist: When’s the Best Time to Brush?

Your Cincinnati dentist or dental hygienist has probably told you to brush at least twice daily. But let’s be honest. None of us are perfect. Most people probably miss brushing before bed occasionally. While your teeth won’t immediately fall out after skipping one time, consistently brushing twice daily for two minutes is conducive to better dental health.

To ensure you don’t miss an evening of brushing, when is the best time to brush your teeth? Depending on how your evenings go, planning to brush before bed may not always be the best strategy. While brushing 30 minutes after a meal is ideal, it may be more practical to do it at the easiest or most convenient time, as long as it increases your chances of brushing consistently.

Let’s break down the logic of two approaches to evening toothbrushing.

The “30 Minutes After Dinner” Rule

Waiting 30 minutes to brush is a tactic that preserves tooth enamel. Enamel is incredibly strong, but the acid from foods like coffee, orange juice, bacon, and eggs will demineralize the tooth’s surface and wear down the enamel. This can cause tooth decay and discoloring. Waiting for 30 minutes ensures your enamel stays clean without wearing it down when it’s most vulnerable.

The “Whenever It’s Convenient” Rule

What’s important is that you brush your teeth twice a day regularly, which may mean doing it when it’s most convenient. After you’ve had your evening meal, putting off brushing just before bed may not work for you. You may set your bedtime teeth brushing with the best intentions, but there may be some nights when you’re nodding off on the couch, drooling into a book, or snuggling in the arms of a significant other. When you’re sleepy, you feel like going straight to bed. Brushing becomes just another unfinished good intention.

If it’s inconvenient for you to brush 30 minutes after dinner, try getting this task done before you settle in front of the TV or do anything else. Get your oral hygiene out of the way, and fall asleep guilt-free.

Take the First Step for Your Dental Health

At Beckham Square Family Dental, our team works hard to help you reach your dental health goals. Whether you brush right before bed or after dinner, we’ll support any positive steps you take to optimize your home dental hygiene. Contact us today for more information or to set up your next preventive checkup.