An NHS doctor has warned that many people may be brushing their teeth incorrectly, particularly in the morning. The advice, shared on social media, says the timing of brushing is crucial for oral health.
Dr Suraj Kukadia, an NHS doctor known online as Dr Sooj, posted a video on TikTok asking: "Have you been brushing your teeth wrong your whole life?" He explained that you should brush your teeth before breakfast, not after. This is because eating causes the pH level in your mouth to drop, making it more acidic. If you brush immediately afterwards, you risk rubbing that acid into your teeth, which wears down enamel.
Brushing before breakfast, he said, helps remove bacteria that has built up overnight, while the fluoride in toothpaste provides a protective layer for the rest of the day. For evening brushing, he advised waiting at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking anything.
His advice is backed by dentist Dr Deepa Chopra from Whites Dental. She previously told Surrey Live that a good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth before breakfast and rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Rinsing can help wash away food particles and acids without damaging the enamel.
Dr Chopra explicitly advised against brushing straight after meals, explaining that enamel softens temporarily when you eat, especially acidic foods. Brushing during this vulnerable period can wear away the softened enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of discolouration. She recommended waiting about 30 minutes after eating to allow saliva to naturally neutralise the acids in the mouth.
