Is it better to brush your teeth before or after breakfast?

According to The New York Times, a few studies have looked into this question and their results have been mixed and limited, so there isn’t a definitive answer.




If you're going to have  a high sugar or carb breakfast like cereal or juices, brushing your teeth after a meal can help reduce bacteria. This can help to prevent tooth decay.  What is not recommended is brushing right after you eat because it can scrub around any acids that are in your mouth wearing away enamel. So wait at least 30-45 min before brushing after eating.

When you brush your teeth first thing in the morning before a meal, you're removing biofilm and bacteria that have built up overnight in the mouth. A Lot of people prefer to brush their teeth after a meal though so they can brush away biofilm, bacteria and food all at once and have a fresher start throughout their day.

If you really can't decide before or after, it doesn't hurt to brush when you wake up and 30 min after your first meal. Either way the most important thing is brushing twice daily.  Happy Brushing!