Brush your teeth before bed as a way to create a great routine and it’s a cornerstone of good oral health for you and your family. Understanding the unique role of each tooth in our daily lives, from heavy-duty chewing by molars to incisors aiding in biting food, highlights their importance. Teeth also play a vital part in speech and shape our facial structure. Emphasize this habit in your family’s nightly routine to maintain healthy, functional teeth and enjoy the benefits of a vibrant smile. Trustworthy dental advice ensures you’re on the right path to oral wellness.
Brush Your Teeth Before Bed
A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth twice a day to maintain healthy oral health. Bedtime is the most critical time to clean your teeth and gums. When you sleep bacteria multiply faster than at any other time in your mouth. At that same time, little saliva is being produced. If there is sugar for the bacteria in your mouth to feed off of during this time, then the risk of acid eating away at your enamel is much higher.
Proper Brushing
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and plan on taking at least two minutes to clean your teeth properly. Make sure to use gentle, short back-and-forth strokes. For the first 60 seconds focus on the outer tooth surface first, then turn your attention to the inner tooth surfaces, then finish with the posterior teeth, the chewing surfaces.
Don’t forget to clean the backs of your teeth with the tip of the toothbrush with the same gentle up-and-down stroke. Finally for the last 60- seconds, pay attention to the gun line, your tongue and the hard-to-reach areas you might have missed in the first 60 seconds.
Change to an Electric Toothbrush
While a regular toothbrush can do the trick, an electric toothbrush offers many advantages when it comes to eliminating plaque and improving oral health. The electric toothbrush bristles rotate and oscillate to help you remove plaque buildup from both your teeth and your gums. These micro-movements also create a vibration that removes andy buildup as you move the toothbrush across your teeth. We recommend selecting an electric toothbrush that is easy to hold and easy to use.
Brushing and Flossing
It’s never too late to add flossing to your daily routine and adding this step to your nighttime routine will help you avoid tooth decay and any gum problems. Flossing works by removing food particles and plaque buildup from your teeth while they are still soft. If this debris is left on your teeth overnight, bacteria will increase throughout the night and feed off them while you’re sleeping and harden.
Furthermore, if the plaque is allowed to harden, it will turn into tartar. Tartar makes it hard to brush and floss your teeth properly, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. A hygienist or dentist will need to remove the tartar using special tools during a professional cleaning.
Rinse and Swish with a Mouth Rinse
Be sure to target your whole mouth by adding a therapeutic mouth rinse to the routine as a way to get rid of as much bacteria as possible. A therapeutic mouthwash contains special ingredients that strengthen teeth and help treat certain oral health conditions.
Using a therapeutic mouthwash right before bed helps keep your teeth free of plaque and cavities and keeps your gums safe from gingivitis. If you are on the fence about which mouthwash to use, you can contact the dental clinic, and we can help you determine which mouth rinse is right for you.
Be Aware of Teeth Grinding
The side effects of grinding your teeth include facial pain headaches, earaches, disrupted sleep and worn down teeth. If you encounter worn tooth enamel, heightened tooth sensitivity, or torn cheek tissue, there is a chance you are grinding your teeth in your sleep. We can’t help you stop grinding your teeth, but we can make you a night guard that you can wear at night to protect your teeth from the consequences of grinding.
Regular Dental Checkups
Remember even with the most diligent daily brushing and flossing, there are still small areas in the mouth that are missed. Let’s avoid any chance of plaque and tartar buildup by scheduling a dental cleaning every six months. Our dental team will help you keep your teeth clean, and your gums healthy and we will check for any abnormalities and make sure to correct any habits that may be negatively affecting your oral health.
Schedule A Professional Cleaning
Make sure to brush your teeth before bed and schedule a dental cleaning every six months. Click here to schedule a dental appointment with your trusted Port Coquitlam Dentist.
