By Dixit Arora +2more
ByDixit Arora
Last updated: Nov 3, 2023
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It is common knowledge that you need to drink 7-8 glasses of water every day. Your body needs water to carry out all of its functions. While it is understandable that you will have to space out your drinking, many people are left asking the question – ”Should they drink water before or after brushing their teeth?” Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
Drinking-Water First Thing In The Morning
You can indeed drink water right after you wake up, even before you brush your teeth. In fact, this practice can do you a world of good-
- Your body uses up its water supply during the night when you sleep and you don’t always wake up in the middle of the night to refill your water stores. That is why you should drink water as soon as you wake up, it will rehydrate you.
- The germs and bacteria inside your mouth multiply during the night. When you drink water in the morning before brushing, it will clean out your mouth and make tooth-brushing more effective.
- When you make a habit of drinking water before brushing, you will notice your immunity becoming more robust. There will be fewer incidents of you falling prey to illnesses such as common cough and cold, flu or hay fever.
- Yet another surprising benefit is that drinking water before brushing will lower high blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels throughout the day.
- When you start the day with a glass of water, you ensure that problems like gastritis or indigestion will not plague you.
- Lastly, this practice will make both your skin and hair soft and supple.
Let me tell you about an interesting observation. In a study, it was seen that drinking water before a meal might help overweight and obese older adults eat less. Adults were given either a glass of water or no water before breakfast. The ones who drank water ate about 13% less food. This suggests that drinking water before snacks or meals may be a simple but effective way for older adults to control their weight.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: Water for Weight Loss – How it Helps?
Did you know?
- Not drinking enough water can increase the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. source: Better Health Victoria
- Babies and children are susceptible to dehydration, particularly if they are ill. source: Better Health Victoria
- Drinking too much water can lead to hyponatremia, a condition where sodium levels in the blood become dangerously low. source: Better Health Victoria
- Water regulates body temperature through sweating. source: Better Health Victoria
- Water helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by keeping the bladder clear of bacteria. source: Better Health Victoria
What Causes Bad Morning Breath?
One of the main causes of bad breath is a condition called dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when we go to sleep and saliva production is lower. Saliva is acidic and helps to keep bacteria populations controlled. But when we go to bed, the lower levels of saliva allows the bacteria to multiply and result in bad morning breath. Brushing and flossing your teeth well to get rid of any food particles will help combat this issue since the bacteria feed on the food particles left in between your teeth.
Drinking water in the morning will help to flush out these bacteria and get rid of the dry sensation simultaneously. Also, apart from dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, you should rinse your mouth with water after every meal, this can help to reduce the food particles on your teeth.
From what I have seen, dehydration may make you feel tired and even nauseous. Sometimes, when you wake up in the morning not feeling great, it’s because your body didn’t get enough water the previous day. Water is important because it improves the blood and oxygen flow, which might make you feel more awake and energised. To start your day off right, try drinking a large glass of water as soon as you wake up!
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What About Drinking Water After Brushing?
The answer to this question is an emphatic NO. Not just water, you should not be consuming any liquids or solids right after brushing.
Drinking water after brushing your teeth reduces the efficacy of your toothpaste. As it is, when you rinse out your mouth after brushing, most of the beneficial elements in your toothpaste are washed away. But some still linger among your teeth and gums and these remnants will protect your teeth throughout the day. Now if you drink water after you brush, you will be flushing down the remains of the toothpaste. This will leave your mouth defenceless.
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From my perspective, it is important to stay hydrated to avoid headaches caused by water deprivation and dehydration. Therefore, drinking water as soon as you wake up in the morning might help with dehydration-related headaches throughout the day.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Wait 15-20 minutes before you drink or eat anything.
There is no better way to start the morning than with a glass of water before you brush your teeth. There are tons of benefits of drinking water in the morning that will keep you going strong all day. Just try to avoid drinking water right after you brush.
Read More: How To Stay Hydrated?
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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I'm an expert in health and wellness, with a deep understanding of the importance of hydration and its impact on various aspects of well-being. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience, allowing me to provide insightful information on topics related to water consumption, oral hygiene, and overall health.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article by Dixit Arora:
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Importance of Drinking Water First Thing in the Morning:
- The article emphasizes the significance of drinking water immediately upon waking up. This practice helps replenish the body's water supply after a night of sleep, preventing dehydration.
- Morning water consumption aids in cleaning the mouth, reducing germs and bacteria that accumulate overnight. This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of tooth-brushing.
- Regular morning water intake is associated with improved immunity, reduced susceptibility to illnesses, lower blood pressure, and better blood sugar regulation throughout the day.
- The practice of drinking water before brushing is linked to benefits for skin and hair health.
- There's mention of a study suggesting that drinking water before meals may help control food intake, particularly in overweight and obese older adults.
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Causes of Bad Morning Breath:
- Dry mouth during sleep is identified as a primary cause of bad breath. Reduced saliva production allows bacteria to multiply, resulting in unpleasant morning breath.
- The article recommends brushing and flossing to eliminate food particles and bacteria contributing to bad breath.
- Drinking water in the morning is highlighted as a means to flush out bacteria and alleviate the dry sensation associated with bad breath.
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The Impact of Dehydration on Well-Being:
- Dehydration is mentioned as a potential cause of fatigue and nausea. The article suggests that starting the day with a large glass of water can improve blood and oxygen flow, promoting wakefulness and energy.
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Drinking Water After Brushing:
- The article strongly advises against consuming any liquids or solids immediately after brushing, as it reduces the efficacy of toothpaste.
- Rinsing the mouth after brushing removes some beneficial elements in toothpaste, but remnants linger to protect the teeth. Drinking water post-brushing flushes away these remnants, leaving the mouth defenseless.
- It is recommended to wait 15-20 minutes before consuming anything after brushing.
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Expert Quotes and Additional Information:
- Expert quotes from Dr. Siddharth Gupta and Dr. Rajeev Singh provide credibility to the information presented in the article.
- Additional information includes facts about the risks of not drinking enough water, particularly related to kidney stones and urinary tract infections, as well as the potential dangers of excessive water consumption leading to hyponatremia.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits of drinking water in the morning, the causes of bad morning breath, the importance of oral hygiene, and the potential consequences of water deprivation or excessive consumption. The expert quotes and references to scientific studies enhance the reliability of the information presented.
