For most Americans, nighttime comes with rituals of some sort. Whether washing your face and taking out your contacts or turning the fan on and the air conditioner down so the room is the perfect temperature, we all have things we do to wrap up our days.
But how many of us have a nighttime ritual for brushing our teeth? If you don’t, you should because a lot can happen in 8 hours. While you sleep, bacteria gather on your teeth, especially if you sleep with your mouth open. Here are a few tips to help protect your mouth through the night.
- Brush before bed. Common sense, right? But do you know why it’s so important? Brushing helps protect teeth against plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. That’s why we recommend brushing at least in the morning and night, plus after meals if possible.
- Brush the right way. Yes, we know you’re tired, we are too, but one minute, side-to-side is not enough. Instead, ensure you go for at least two minutes and get all areas of your mouth, including your tongue.
- Floss. Flossing removes food particles and plaque that bacteria love to feed on throughout the night.
- Use mouthwash. Not only does mouthwash make your mouth smell lovely, but it also helps strengthen teeth and protect against gingivitis.
- Avoid teeth grinding. If you feel increased tooth sensitivity or jaw pain, you may grind your teeth in your sleep or during the day. Give us a call and let’s see if you may need a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Regularly scheduled dental visits are crucial to dental health. If it’s been a while since you’ve been in to see us or you are feeling any tooth or jaw pain, make an appointment today by calling 573-243-5200.