Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?

How do you start your day?

Perhaps a quick run followed by a cold shower? Hitting snooze three times before getting out of bed? Trying to convince your 5 year old to put on their coat and shoes?

Everyone’s morning routine is different. But there’s one thing we should all be doing in exactly the same way, at exactly the same time. That is, brushing our teeth before we eat breakfast – not after.

Surprised? Most people assume that cleaning your pearly whites after breakfast is better. After all, surely it helps to remove any leftover food debris and start the day with fresh breath?

Whilst those things are true, it’s actually much more beneficial to brush before your bowl of porridge. As soon as the alarm clock goes off, we should all (ideally) be jumping out of bed and reaching straight for the toothbrush. Here’s why.

4 reasons to brush before your bran flakes

1. Clear overnight bacteria

Breakfast foods are notorious for containing sugary carbohydrates. Cereals, breads, waffles, pancakes – they all contain the stuff that plaque-causing bacteria love to feed on. And when you wake up in the morning, the level of bacteria inside your mouth is at its highest.

This creates the perfect conditions to wreak havoc on your teeth.

As you tuck into your bagel, the bacteria begin to flourish – feeding on the sugary carbs, multiplying even further and releasing acids that can damage the enamel.

Brushing your teeth before breakfast helps to clear away the bacteria that has accumulated inside your mouth overnight. If it’s not there, it can’t do any harm. Plus, the fluoride in the toothpaste will create a protective barrier and defend your enamel against acids in breakfast foods.

2. Avoid tooth erosion

Brushing too soon after eating a meal can also damage the enamel layer of the tooth.

This is particularly true after eating acidic food and drinks, such as those typically consumed at breakfast (e.g. fruits, orange juice, coffee). The bristles of the toothbrush can actually brush the leftover acid into the tooth, gradually wearing away the enamel to reveal the dentin beneath.

This is known as ‘tooth erosion’ and can lead to a range of symptoms, including discolouration.

3. Kick-start saliva production

Saliva is a fantastic protective force.

Not only does it deposit minerals that help to strengthen your teeth, it helps to break down food, neutralises acidity and naturally kills any harmful bacteria that may be lurking in your mouth.

Unfortunately, though, saliva production diminishes dramatically during sleep. This is part of the reason why bacteria can multiply through the night, and we often wake up with a dry mouth.

Brushing your teeth as soon as you get up is an easy way to kick-start normal ‘daytime’ production, therefore creating another line of defence against the acid in breakfast foods.

4. Make sure you remember

How many times have you scarfed down your beans on toast in the morning, and rushed out the door without a second thought for your oral hygiene? Whether you start work super early or need to get the kids ready for school, cleaning your teeth can often be the last thing on your mind.

Which is why it’s a good idea to get it done and dusted early doors.

Brushing prior to breakfast reduces the chances you’ll run out of time or forget to do it later. Then, all you need to do afterwards is give your mouth a quick rinse to clear away any food.

Prefer to stick to your usual routine?

If you’re set in your ways and would prefer to continue brushing your teeth after breakfast, this can be ok – providing you take a few precautions to lessen some of the effects outlined above.

For example, to avoid enamel erosion, try to wait at least 30-60 minutes after eating before you brush – and in the meantime, either rinse with or have a drink of water. This will remove any lingering food and allows enough time for your saliva to neutralise the pH balance of your mouth.

When you do get around to brushing your teeth, it also helps to use a soft-bristled brush.

Worried the damage may already be done?

Even if you’re in the habit of brushing your teeth after breakfast, enamel erosion takes a very long time. But some of the earliest signs include:

discolouration of the teeth
increased sensitivity to taste, texture and temperature
cracks and chips
indentations (known as cups) on the surface of your teeth
pain

If you do notice any of these symptoms, it may be worth booking a routine check-up.

Unfortunately, erosion isn’t reversible. But having assessed your overall oral health, we can identify the issue and provide tailored advice on how it could potentially be treated (e.g. composite bonding, veneers etc.) and how to prevent the damage from becoming any worse.

Alternatively, for further tips on effective brushing habits, why not make an appointment with one of our dental hygienists? These are available to absolutely everyone – including members and non-members – and are a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the best oral hygiene practices.

Simply use our online booking system to choose a time and date that works for you.

Or if you prefer, you can either give us a call on 01744 25775 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

How to remove stains from teeth

Self-conscious about stains on your teeth?

Don’t worry, it is possible to get rid of them.

Lots of tooth whitening products and treatments are now available, all of which are designed to remove stubborn marks and brighten the smile. And the best one for you just depends on the type of stains you have – and whether they’re caused by extrinsic, intrinsic or age-related factors.

Here we take a closer look and explore some of the options currently available at Kiln Lane Dental.

Extrinsic tooth stains

Extrinsic tooth stains are those that appear on the outer enamel. Although this is the hardest layer of the tooth, it comes into contact with everything you eat and drink – and, over time, pigments can be absorbed and stains start to form.

The main offenders include tea, coffee, red wine, fizzy drinks, fruit juices, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato sauce, blueberries, beetroots, and curry. So, to avoid further staining, we recommend cutting these out of your diet as much as possible.

To remove your existing extrinsic tooth stains, a whitening toothpaste – such as Icy Bear Diamond Dust – is the easiest option. This uses gentle micro-particles of diamond dust to clean the tooth’s surface, without causing unnecessary damage to the enamel. And it can be applied twice a day as part of your daily oral hygiene routine.

Alternatively, Blanc One® is a fast and effective tooth whitening treatment, perfect for tackling surface-level stains. It’s performed in-practice, but only takes 30-40 minutes to complete, and is a refreshing and affordable option – available for just £99 per session.

Intrinsic tooth stains

Intrinsic tooth stains appear because the enamel has started to thin or wear away, either due to poor oral hygiene or the use of certain medications (e.g. tetracycline antibiotics). The inner structure of the tooth (i.e. the dentin) is exposed. And, as this is naturally darker than the enamel, it becomes very noticeable and creates a yellow ‘stain’ on the tooth.

These stains are slightly tougher to remove – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

A variety of professional tooth whitening treatments can be used to restore the teeth to a brighter, more natural shade, such as Blanc One®, Zoom, Home Whitening Kits, and Enlighten Whitening. Alternatively, composite bonding or veneers can be used to hide the intrinsic tooth stains, and improve the overall appearance of your smile.

Age-related tooth stains

Last but not least, teeth stains can also be caused by the natural aging process. As we get older, the outer layer of enamel gets thinner and the dentin underneath gradually becomes darker. This combination can often cause discolouration and staining that is out of our control.

Similar to intrinsic stains, age-related stains are slightly trickier to treat, as the issue is at a deeper level rather than on the surface. But again, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Professional whitening treatments – such as those available at Kiln Lane – can be used to successfully turn back time and return your teeth to a healthier shade. Or, if you prefer, veneers can be applied to create a generally younger-looking and brighter smile.

Eager to remove your stubborn tooth stains?

To find out more about our comprehensive range of treatments, and how they can be used to remove stains from teeth, you’re welcome to get in touch at any time.

Here at our St Helens dental clinic, we’re always happy to help and will gladly answer any questions you may have. We can also arrange a consultation, during which we can identify whether your tooth stains are extrinsic, intrinsic or age-related and create a bespoke treatment plan for your needs.

Either call us on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk. Or, if you’d like to schedule in a date and time to visit our dental practice and speak to our experts in person, use our online system to book your first appointment.

Dental veneers – what do I need to know?

Looking for an easy way to revamp your smile? Veneers could be the solution. Once reserved for A-list celebrities, they’re now available at Kiln Lane Dental – and it’s fair to say, they’ve become a very popular option. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your first appointment.

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are, essentially, wafer-thin shells of porcelain. Bonded to the front surface of the tooth, they are designed to improve cosmetic appearance – whilst also providing additional strength and resilience. They’re custom-made and, depending on your needs (and what you wish to achieve), it’s possible to have either one or multiple veneers fitted at the same time.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers aren’t permanent, but they do last a very long time. In fact, as long as they have been fitted by a professional cosmetic dentist – such as Kiln Lane Dental – they can last for up to 20 years or more. It’s also vital that you take care of them properly. Annual routine check-ups are recommended and, to maximise the lifespan of your new veneers, we also recommend six-monthly hygiene visits.

Does the procedure hurt?

No – getting veneers isn’t as painful as you think. Of course, everyone’s pain threshold is different and you’re likely to experience slight discomfort whilst the veneers are being fitted. But anaesthetic can be used if necessary, and our dentists are trained to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

Do porcelain veneers look unrealistic?

Absolutely not. This is a common misconception, often caused by photos of celebrities and their dazzling white teeth – but in reality, veneers are intended to re-create a natural-looking smile. They’re made bespoke to suit you. Our specialist dentists will suggest a shade of porcelain that matches the rest of your teeth and will help to create a smile that is impressive yet realistic.

Are dental veneers right for me?

If you’d like to repair damaged teeth or improve their appearance, dental veneers are a great option. But, bear in mind, you need to have good oral health – and, during your first consultation, the dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination to make sure you’re suitable for veneers.

You also need to be fully committed to the aftercare of veneers. The procedure involves filing down a thin layer of your natural enamel and, as veneers don’t last forever, you must be prepared to both look after them properly and have them replaced in the future. If not, alternatives – such as composite bonding, Invisalign or whitening – may be a better option for you.

How much do veneers cost?

This depends on how many you wish to have fitted. It’s true, dental veneers are expensive, but they don’t necessarily have to break the bank. We often find that patients are pleasantly surprised by the cost – especially as veneers are a long-term investment, intended to create your ‘dream’ smile.

Get in touch for veneers in St Helens

If you would like to find out more about dental veneers, please feel free to get in touch. Our team of dentists are highly skilled and experienced in this area. They’re happy to answer your questions about veneers and can offer tailored advice on whether it’s the right dental procedure for you. Simply call us today on 01744 25776 for a chat and book a consultation at our St Helens-based clinic.