(734) 999-9909
During the evening hours, plaque and bacteria can accrue on the teeth, leading to cavities, tartar, and gum problems. However, you do not need to be haunted by these visions while you are trying to rest. Use the following tips to practice proper oral hygiene at nighttime.
Why It's Important to Have Good Oral Routine at Night
While it may seem difficult to practice a proper nighttime oral hygiene routine with your busy schedule, it is important to take the time to do so. When you sleep, you are vulnerable to bacteria and plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral issues. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will ensure that you will be able to maintain your oral health comfortably throughout the night.
Nightly Oral Care Routine
Developing a good nighttime oral care routine will ensure that you will maintain your oral health throughout the night. Here are some steps you can do just before you go to bed.
1. Brush before Bed
This is probably the most important step in taking care of your teeth. The morning hours will not be sufficient because plaque can be accumulated in your mouth during bedtime hours. Brush after dinner and before bed. Opening your mouth wide and pulling your jaws wide open will help you get rid of all the loose food in your mouth. Brushing your teeth is a great way to clean your teeth.
2. Flossing
After brushing, placing the floss between the teeth and tightening it to remove the leftovers is recommended. This will improve the health of your gums and prevent them from swelling.
Flossing is equally important when it comes to oral hygiene. Although some people might be able to get away with brushing alone, the real key to eliminating plaque and food particles between teeth is flossing. Most people think that poorly brushing is the leading cause of gum disease, but poor flossing is the key culprit.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash
A mouthwash solution will kill off the contents of your mouth, especially if you use a strong antiseptic mouthwash. A strong mouthwash solution will be more potent in fighting off the germs, which can cause you to develop a cavity. Use a mouthwash that is designed to kill germs or prevent cavities.
4. Wait an Hour After Eating Before Brushing Your Teeth
If you brush your teeth immediately after you eat or drink, you're essentially brushing away the food and not getting a chance to actually clean your teeth. Give your teeth a chance to be exposed to the food and to start to break it down. After an hour, most of the food will have dissolved, and you will be able to brush your teeth and get rid of everything.
5. Wear Your Mouth Guard or Retainer if You Have One
If you have a mouth guard or retainer, make sure you wear it when you go to sleep. These are used to keep your teeth in place and are often worn by people who have braces. If you have one and do not wear it, then you run the risk of damaging your teeth. Wear it every night to keep your teeth healthy and free from damage.
Conclusion
During the evenings, your mouth is more prone to suffer negative effects if you do not brush and floss regularly. These tips will ensure that you have healthy gums and that your teeth do not suffer any decay due to plaque buildup.
Taking care of your teeth is important regardless of the time of day. If you want to make sure that your dental and oral health is in tip-top shape, don't forget to make an appointment with a dentist regularly. Dental House is your trusted clinic providing affordable dentistry to Ann Arbor and Waterford residents. Let our local dentist in Waterford take good care of your teeth to maintain that smile you've always wanted. Schedule an appointment today!
