Dentist settles debate on whether you should brush your teeth before or after breakfast

We all love a simple start to the day, so waking up each morning being plagued by the same dental dilemma really starts to put a dampener on life after a little bit.

Deciding whether to tackle a plate of scrambled eggs on toast or brush your teeth first is enough to make you pull the covers back over your head and sleep the problem away instead.

But ultimately, we have to make a decision about what comes first - although it is very much reminiscent of the 'chicken and the egg' problem.

For some people, it seems like polishing off a Full English is the obvious priority first thing in the morning, but others simply can't start their day without scrubbing their gnashers.

The debate around the correct timing of when to brush your teeth in the AM is something everyone has an opinion about, but thankfully, a dentist has waded in to offer her expert opinion on the dental row.

Anna Peterson, who regularly shares dental advice on social media, has finally put an end to the dispute over whether breakfast or brushing comes first.

Before or after? (Getty Stock Photos)

The Essex-based dental therapist has already taught us that we should never use mouthwash right after putting your toothbrush to work, and what it actually means to have little 'black triangles' between your teeth.

So, now you've heard her credentials, I'm sure your chomping at the bit to hear her take on the dental debate.

Anna explained that you should not wait until you've scoffed down your first meal of the day to brush your teeth and should always make a beeline for the bathroom before you head to the kitchen.

In a TikTok video explaining her reasoning, she said: "There's two reasons for this.

"When you eat breakfast, your mouth becomes acidic.

"So what you're doing when you brush your teeth after breakfast is brushing the acid into the tooth and this wears away the enamel," Anna continued.

"And, brushing before breakfast protects your teeth from anything you're going to eat."

Who would have guessed it, eh?

(Getty Stock Photos)

It turns out that as well as banishing your morning breath pronto, brushing your teeth first thing helps to protect your mouth too.

Although Anna settled the debate, social media users still weren't happy - as they complained following her advice would leave them having a 'minty breakfast' to start the day.

I tell you what, you can't win, can you?