# Do you brush your teeth to start the day? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 13, 2018, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033 "2018-12-13T03:19:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/21 "2018-12-13T15:57:28Z")
I brush my teeth last thing before I got to bed at night, and first thing when I get up in the morning. I can’t stand the feel of a morning mouth, and if I don’t do it immediately, I’ll forget. I also take my pills whenever I brush my teeth, so it helps me remember to do that- and if I can’t remember whether I took them or not, all I have to do is check to see if my toothbrush is wet. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/22 "2018-12-13T16:23:39Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > I’ve always brushed my teeth right after breakfast. On my last visit the dentist told me to brush twice a day: after lunch and just before going to bed. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/23 "2018-12-13T16:55:22Z")
I brush my teeth before I step in the shower in the morning. Gotta get rid of that nasty morning mouth. I may brush again during the day if my teeth feel nasty, but mostly it’s just first thing in the morning. ---
**Author:** ![BrickBat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac91a4/32.png) [@BrickBat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrickBat)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/24 "2018-12-13T17:00:01Z")
No. It would be akin to showering, putting on clean clothes, then going mud-wrestling. I brush only after I’ve eaten. ---
**Author:** ![MoonMoon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moonmoon/32/2959_2.png) [@MoonMoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MoonMoon)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/25 "2018-12-13T17:44:27Z")
Hell no. Coffee first. Tooth brushing is the last bit of toiletry that gets done before I walk out the door to work. ---
**Author:** ![Bayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bayaker/32/3454_2.png) [@Bayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/26 "2018-12-13T17:56:44Z")
Always after breakfast except for the rare times that I eat breakfast away from home. On those occasions I brush after having a couple cups of coffee and getting dressed. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/27 "2018-12-13T18:44:34Z")
It’s the second thing of the morning, after contact lens installation. Third if I had to pee. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/28 "2018-12-13T19:41:12Z")
When I was working I got up before my wife, sometimes way before, so I’d do everything that needed to be done in the bathroom and get dressed before eating breakfast. I didn’t want to go back into the bedroom and disturb my wife. Then I brushed immediately. Now I’m retired I brush after I eat, so I voted no. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/29 "2018-12-13T20:07:36Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > Poll coming. I’ve been watching a lot of ‘Day in the life of’ type YouTube videos. I’m suprised how many people get out of bed and immediately brush their teeth. I never do this unless I know I’m going out to eat for breakfast. I’ve always brushed my teeth right after breakfast. You shoudl brush before. Do not brush right after eating. Use a mouthwash (non- alcohol) if you want. ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/30 "2018-12-13T21:17:44Z")
I brush after breakfast, otherwise what’s the point? Your way: Wake = gross teeth Brush teeth = clean teeth Coffee and breakfast = gross teeth Head out into public with gross teeth My way Wake = gross teeth Coffee and breakfast = gross teeth Brush teeth = clean teeth Head out into public with clean teeth ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/31 "2018-12-13T21:26:50Z")
I don’t eat at night after I brush my teeth; why would I brush them again 10 or 12 hours later right after I wake up, but right before I cover my teeth and gums with bits of detritus? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/32 "2018-12-13T21:34:51Z")
I said yes, but it’s usually after the shower. Usual procedure is wake up, take medication, use bathroom, shower/shave, put contacts in, brush teeth, apply aftershave/face lotion, get dressed, coffee. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/33 "2018-12-13T21:37:23Z")
No, because coffee goes into my mouth immediately upon waking up. It’s like this: Wake up Sit up Grab coffee pot and mug left on nightstand by husband Pour coffee, drink and enjoy for half an hour Brush teeth sometime later after breakfast before leaving the house. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/34 "2018-12-13T22:24:38Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > I don’t eat at night after I brush my teeth; why would I brush them again 10 or 12 hours later right after I wake up, but right before I cover my teeth and gums with bits of detritus? 😕 Mostly because almost everybody half-asses it and a second sweep can’t hurt. Again, [it doesn’t really matter whether you do it before or after breakfast](http://mentalfloss.com/article/534067/best-time-brush-your-teeth-morning-according-dentists), as far as oral health goes. But don’t brush immediately after eating, especially if you had acidic stuff like coffee or OJ. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2018, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/35 "2018-12-14T03:16:17Z")
> [@Icarus](#): > > I brush after breakfast, otherwise what’s the point? > > Your way: > Wake = gross teeth > Brush teeth = clean teeth > Coffee and breakfast = gross teeth > Head out into public with gross teeth > > My way > Wake = gross teeth > Coffee and breakfast = gross teeth > Brush teeth = clean teeth > Head out into public with clean teeth Because it damages your teeth. > **[Diet and my teeth](https://www.dentalhealth.org/diet-and-my-teeth)** > > To reduce tooth decay, it is important to have sugary foods or drinks just at mealtimes, limiting the time your mouth is at risk. \*Should I brush my teeth after every meal? It is important that you brush last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Eating and drinking foods containing sugar and acids naturally weakens the enamel on your teeth. Brushing straight afterwards can cause tiny particles of enamel to be brushed away. It is best not to brush your teeth until at least one hour after eating. It is especially important to brush before bed. This is because the flow of saliva, which is the mouth’s own cleaning system, slows down during the night and this leaves the mouth more at risk from decay.\* ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2018, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/36 "2018-12-14T03:37:48Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > I don’t eat at night after I brush my teeth; why would I brush them again 10 or 12 hours later right after I wake up, but right before I cover my teeth and gums with bits of detritus? 😕 Because plaque forms overnite. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2018, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/37 "2018-12-14T12:20:50Z")
[ul] [li]Get out of bed.[/li][li]Take the dogs out. Urinate outside usually.[/li][li]Make sure gf is awake and showering.[/li][li]Cook eggs for the dogs and bird.[/li][li]Cook eggs for me.[/li][li]Read, look at iPad/phone for an hour and a half or so.[/li][li]Bathroom use, including tooth brushing.[/li][li]Shower[/li][li]Dress[/li][li]Load dogs and bird into car and depart.[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2018, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/38 "2018-12-14T13:55:53Z")
A toothbrush alone isn’t enough to scour the cruddy taste out of my mouth. I need food and drink first, then I brush. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2018, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/39 "2018-12-15T01:04:11Z")
> [@Dragwyr](#): > > I brush my teeth after I eat breakfast. > My current morning routine is: > [ol] > [li]Wake up[/li][li]Use the toilet[/li][li]Ride my exercise bike for 30 min[/li][li]Shower and shave[/li][li]Get dressed[/li][li]Eat Breakfast[/li][li]Brush my teeth.[/li][/ol] If you combine some of those steps you can save precious minutes. Try brushing your teeth while using the toilet. Or eating breakfast on your exercise bike. Or shaving at the breakfast table. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2018, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033/40 "2018-12-15T01:29:58Z")
This is a very finely balanced poll (61 to 60 at the moment). Yes, I brush immediately after waking (well, it comes after feeding the cat). I don’t eat breakfast or drink coffee in the morning, and to avoid the possibility of toothpaste splatters on my clothes I prefer to do it before getting dressed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-brush-your-teeth-to-start-the-day/826033.md?page=3)