It’s a debate that often comes up among coffee lovers. Should you brush your teeth before or after your first espresso? If the idea of leaving with fresh breath seems logical, Dr. Jeremy Amzalag, dental surgeon, explains why it is better to wait a little before grabbing your toothbrush.
Brushing your teeth before your coffee: a bad idea?
Often, we tend to brush our teeth early in the morning, as soon as we get out of bed. However, this reflex is not necessary, believes Dr. Jeremy Amzalag.
“It is not essential to brush your teeth before coffee. And if you prefer to do it after, it is entirely possible provided you wait a little so as not to brush enamel temporarily weakened by the acidity of the coffee”,
explains the practitioner.
In fact, all acidic drinks, including coffee, make the enamel surface more vulnerable. Brushing your teeth immediately after drinking coffee can therefore promote wear and even accentuate the appearance of certain stains.
This is why dentists generally advise against rushing to the sink after the last swallow.
Good to know: Yellowing of teeth is only an aesthetic problem and should not alarm you too much.
A certain amount of time must be respected
You will have understood: brushing your teeth right after your first espresso of the day is not necessarily recommended. Better to wait a bit.
“Immediate brushing can in fact encourage the penetration of pigments into the enamel and accentuate dental discoloration. It is therefore better to wait – ideally around thirty minutes – after your coffee before brushing your teeth. Rinsing with water immediately afterwards is also a good habit to neutralize the acidity in the mouth linked to drinking coffee”, admits the dentist.
This simple half hour gives time for saliva to play its protective role. It allows it to neutralize the acidity present in the mouth and thus helps to protect the enamel. A small delay that can make a real difference in the long term!
What good routine should you finally adopt in the morning?
- If you’re in the habit of brushing your teeth when you wake up, there’s no need to change your routine. This habit allows you to eliminate dental plaque accumulated during the night before drinking your coffee;
- On the other hand, if you prefer to brush your teeth after breakfast, it is better to simply wait around thirty minutes.
In the meantime, drinking a glass of water or rinsing your mouth already helps limit acidity and eliminate some of the coffee residue. A relatively simple habit, but one that can go a long way toward preserving the shine of your teeth.