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A doctor has revealed exactly when you should brush your teeth in the morning. You risk "wearing down" your enamel and gums if you do this at the wrong time.

Practising good oral hygiene is vital. Without it you can suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

While many of us are familiar with the basic rule of brushing twice daily, you may not be aware of some other important guidelines. In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia explained more.

Dr Kukadia, who is better known online as Dr Sooj, said: "Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?

"Well, this is a highly debated topic, but the answer is you should brush your teeth before breakfast."

He shared more about why this is the case. "And this is because the toothpaste fluoride gives your teeth a bit of protection to the acid in the food and drink that you're about to have at breakfast," he said.

"Orange juice is a particular culprit. If you brush your teeth after breakfast, you're just rubbing all of that acid into your teeth, which will wear down your enamel and your gums."

He added: "You should also brush your teeth just before bed. So twice a day before breakfast and just before bed."

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His advice is backed by dentist Dr Deepa Chopra from Whites Dental.

Speaking previously to Surrey Live, she said: "A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth before breakfast and rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

"Brushing before breakfast helps remove overnight bacteria and plaque that have built up. Rinsing with water after your meal can help wash away food particles and acids without damaging the enamel."

She explicitly advised against brushing straight after meals as that can damage your enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Dr Deepa continued: "Brushing your teeth immediately after eating might seem logical for fresh breath, but it can damage your enamel. Your enamel softens temporarily when you eat, especially foods high in acids.

"Brushing during this vulnerable period can wear away the softened enamel, which leads to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of discolouration."

Instead, she recommended waiting "about 30 minutes after eating" before brushing to allow your saliva to naturally neutralise the acids in your mouth.

To keep your teeth healthy, the NHS recommends you:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Clean between your teeth
• Cut down on sugar
• Quit smoking
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Have regular dental check-ups

If you have concerns about your teeth, you should speak to your dentist.