Drinking water before brushing your teeth may seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually have negative effects on your oral health. Here are some of the main disadvantages of drinking water before brushing your teeth:
- Diluted toothpaste: When you drink water before brushing your teeth, it can dilute the toothpaste on your brush. This means that the toothpaste is less effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
- Rinsing away fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. When you drink water before brushing your teeth, you may be rinsing away the fluoride that is present in your toothpaste. This can leave your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay.
- Reduced effectiveness of mouthwash: Similar to toothpaste, drinking water before using mouthwash can dilute the solution and reduce its effectiveness in killing bacteria and freshening breath.
- Plaque buildup: Drinking water before brushing your teeth can also lead to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surface of your teeth. If it is not removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
- Weakened enamel: When you drink water before brushing your teeth, the acid present in the water can weaken your tooth enamel. This can make your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay.
It’s important to note that drinking water is essential for your overall health and should not be avoided. However, it’s best to brush your teeth first before drinking water, especially if you’ve consumed acidic drinks or foods, this will help neutralize the acidity and prevent weakening of the enamel.
In conclusion, drinking water before brushing your teeth may seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually have negative effects on your oral health. It’s best to brush your teeth first before drinking water to ensure that your toothpaste and mouthwash are effective and to prevent plaque buildup and weakened enamel.
Sources:
–https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321482
–https://www.dentalhealth.org/should-you-brush-your-teeth-before-or-after-eating
Dr. Delores is expert in child behavior and psychology and has knowledge of various medical domains.
She also has raised her three children and trains many at her clinic. She is lead contributor on our website