A medical professional has issued a stark warning that millions of people in the UK may have been brushing their teeth incorrectly for their entire lives. The common mistake revolves around the timing of your morning routine, a habit that could be raising your risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion.
The Critical Morning Mistake
According to NHS doctor Suraj Kukadia, better known online as Dr Sooj, you should be brushing your teeth before breakfast, not after. He delivered this advice in a video on TikTok, questioning his followers: "Have you been brushing your teeth wrong your whole life?"
Dr Kukadia explains the science behind the guidance. "Every time you eat something, the pH of your mouth drops. This makes it more acidic," he states. "If you then brush your teeth straight away, you're rubbing that acid into your teeth, which wears down your enamel, which is bad for the health of your teeth."
Brushing prior to your first meal serves a dual purpose. It removes the bacteria and plaque that have built up overnight, and the fluoride in the toothpaste then creates a protective layer on your teeth for the day ahead.
Evening Brushing Requires Patience
The timing rule also applies to your evening routine. Dr Sooj emphasises that you must wait "at least" 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth at night. This pause allows your saliva to naturally neutralise the acids present in your mouth after a meal, re-hardening the softened enamel.
This expert advice is corroborated by dentist Dr Deepa Chopra from Whites Dental. Speaking previously to Surrey Live, she explicitly advised against brushing immediately after meals. "Brushing your teeth immediately after eating might seem logical for fresh breath, but it can damage your enamel," Dr Chopra said.
She elaborated: "Your enamel softens temporarily when you eat, especially foods high in acids. Brushing during this vulnerable period can wear away the softened enamel, which leads to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of discolouration."
Official NHS Guidance for Healthy Teeth
Beyond the crucial timing of brushing, the NHS provides a full set of recommendations to maintain optimal oral health and prevent issues like gum disease and tooth loss. Their key guidelines include:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
- Cut down on sugar, both in food and drinks.
- Quit smoking to protect your gums and overall health.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
- Attend regular dental check-ups as advised by your dentist.
Adopting these habits, starting with correcting the fundamental timing of your brushing, can provide a stronger defence against common dental problems. As Dr Deepa Chopra summarised, a good rule of thumb is to "brush your teeth before breakfast and rinse your mouth with water afterwards."
