Brushing before meals protects enamel and reduces bacterial buildup, but timing after meals matters too.

Oral hygiene forms the foundation of a healthy mouth, preventing cavities, gum disease, plaque buildup and bad breath. But while brushing twice a day is universally recommended, the timing of your brushing routine can significantly influence how well your teeth are protected — especially in the morning.

The question people debate most is whether brushing should happen before or after breakfast. Dentists explain that time of brushing affects the strength of your enamel, the behaviour of oral bacteria, and the overall cleaning effectiveness throughout the day.

Brushing before breakfast remains the safest and most widely recommended option. Overnight, the mouth accumulates bacteria and

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