A dentist has finally settled the long-standing debate over whether to brush your teeth before or after breakfast, warning that getting it wrong could cause lasting damage to your enamel. While many people choose to brush after their morning meal, Dr Deepa Chopra explains why it is actually better to tackle your teeth first thing in the morning.
'Brushing before breakfast helps to remove plaque and bacteria that build up overnight,' she explained. 'It also creates a protective layer of fluoride on the teeth before you eat.'
The news will come as a surprise to many social media users, who insist that brushing after breakfast is the way to go. Taking to TikTok, one user said: 'I do breakfast and then teeth it just makes more sense.' Another joked: 'What's the point in brushing before breakfast? Your breath is going to smell like cereal and milk all day.'
The Dangers of Brushing After Breakfast
From juices to jams, many popular breakfast foods are acidic, meaning they can damage your enamel. Dr Chopra, who works at White Dental, explains: 'Brushing your teeth straight after breakfast can be harmful, especially if you have had acidic foods like fruit or fruit juice. These soften the enamel temporarily, and brushing at that point can cause it to wear away more easily.'
'Brushing before breakfast can actually reduce the impact of acids and sugar consumed before breakfast. When you brush beforehand, you are giving your teeth an extra layer of protection, which can help minimise the damage caused by acidic or sugary foods,' the dentist said.
If you insist on brushing your teeth after breakfast, Dr Chopra advises waiting at least 30 minutes. 'Your enamel needs time to recover after exposure to acid,' she warned. 'If you brush immediately, you are effectively brushing softened enamel, which over time can lead to sensitivity and erosion.'
'If you do want to brush after breakfast, it is important to wait at least 30 minutes. This gives your saliva time to neutralise the acids and allows your enamel to harden again.'
The Shower Debate: A Related Discussion
The advice comes shortly after social media users debated which way you should face in the shower. Taking to X, @nickimoraa posted: 'I thought everyone showered with their back toward the shower head. That's not a thing?' Several users agreed with @nickimoraa, with one replying: 'Um... I don't fancy a waterboarding. So yeah, backwards. I like to breathe too much.' However, others disagreed and maintained they like to face the water. 'I loooove facing the water. It's like a nice warm hug,' one user explained.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, scientists have revealed their expert opinions on the shower debate. It is something most people do every day without thinking twice about it. But when you step into the shower, do you face toward or away from the water? The shower debate has swirled for years, with a 2021 poll showing the nation really is split on their preferences.
Lesley Reynolds, co-founder of Harley Street Skin, argues that you should shower facing away from the water. 'Dermatologists generally advise showering while facing away from the water,' she told the Daily Mail. 'This helps prevent shampoo and conditioner from running onto the face, which can clog pores and cause irritation or breakouts. It also limits direct exposure to hot water on delicate facial skin, helping to protect the skin barrier, reduce dryness, and keep the complexion calmer and more balanced overall.'
However, Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, argues that alternating your position is best for your skin. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she explained: 'Constantly facing the water means the face, chest and shoulders are exposed to direct heat and pressure for longer, which can increase redness and sensitivity in more delicate skin areas. Turning away at intervals helps reduce continuous exposure while still allowing effective cleansing of the body. It also supports more even rinsing of products from the hair and skin, which can help minimise irritation and maintain a healthier skin barrier overall.'
