The bacteria present in the mouth do the maximum amount of damage while you are sleeping. The plaque, if left untreated, can lead to the formation of cavities and, sometimes, even tooth loss. Thus, it is essential to ensure dental health before going to sleep. This article discusses five simple ways to ensure good oral health before sleeping each day.
Follow Your Dentist’s Advice and Brush the Right Away
If you are not using an electric toothbrush, take some time to clean your teeth. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth’ outer part and then moving to the insides. More importantly, move the brush in slow, back-and-forth motions. However, do not apply too much pressure while brushing, as excessive pressure can cause enamel abrasion.
Try Using an Electric Toothbrush
As mentioned before, using the right toothbrush is pivotal. If you haven’t found the right toothbrush, consider trying an electric one. Do your research well. Most people prefer an electric toothbrush with a rotating and oscillating head. More importantly, your toothbrush must be easy to hold. The vibrations and continued swinging of an electric toothbrush make cleaning teeth super easy.
Always Brush Your Teeth Before Going to Sleep
This is perhaps the most basic of all tips, but it is also the most important and influential — always brush your teeth before sleep. Brushing will help you get rid of plaque, the primary source of the bacteria in the mouth. Thus, brushing every day will help you stay away from gum diseases as well as tooth decay. However, choosing the right brush to clean your teeth is as essential as brushing. If you have sensitive teeth, it is best to brush your teeth twice — once after dinner and once just before going to bed.
Use a Dentist-Approved Mouthwash
We all know that using mouthwash allows us to smell minty fresh all the time. However, few people know that mouthwash is essential to good oral hygiene. A good mouthwash helps keep dental and gum diseases and cavities away. However, most commercially available mouthwashes do not have the ingredients to ensure dental health. Thus, before you buy a mouthwash, please speak with your dentist and ask them which product they recommend.
Do Not Forget to Floss
Other than regularly brushing your teeth, it is also important to use floss. While brushing takes care of the plaque, getting rid of the plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth is not often enough. This plaque hardens over time, converting into tarter that causes cavities. Thus, getting rid of food and plaque stuck between teeth is essential. Ideally, it would help if you flossed twice a day — once before going to sleep and once as soon as you wake up.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining oral hygiene and protecting your teeth against dental problems is essential. We hope these simple tips help you shape your night-time oral care routine.
For more information about how to take care of your oral health, contact Smile Brightly today! We are located in Warren, Michigan, and can be reached at 586-573-7700. We hope to hear from you soon!