Maintaining your oral health while you’re asleep is just as important as looking after your teeth while awake, as any dentist will tell you. After all, during the eight or so hours you are asleep, bacteria is probably forming on your teeth, leading to unpleasant and unwanted things such as tartar, cavities and gingivitis. These eight tips can help improve oral health through the night.
1) Brush Before Going to Bed
Gum disease, tooth decay and the build up of plaque are all protected against when you brush before going to bed. And many dental experts will tell you that you may have to brush twice, once after eating dinner and once before getting into bed, if you are especially prone to gum disease and cavities.
2) Brush Properly
Brushing with short strokes backwards and forwards is the best way to brush your teeth, as your dentist will no doubt tell you. The chewing surfaces should be brushed last, after you have cleaned the outer surfaces followed by the inner surfaces. And gentle up and down strokes with the tip of the brush are the easiest way to clean the backs of your teeth.
3) Try An Electric Toothbrush
Plaque is removed more thoroughly with an electric toothbrush than with a regular brush, thanks to the head’s rotating movement. An oscillating and rotating head is a must if you are choosing an electric toothbrush, as well as one that is easy to use and feels comfortable when held.
4) Floss As Well As Brush
Bacteria can accumulate during the night and feed off debris on your teeth, unless you get rid of plaque buildup and tiny particles of food while they are still soft. Your dentist will verify that flossing is the most effective method. And you’ll need to have a professional oral cleaning if your plaque becomes hard and turns into tarter, as it’s impossible to remove yourself, however well you brush or floss. Your dentist may suggest you floss twice a day, at night and in the morning, if you are at a higher risk of tarter buildup or gum disease, according to a Maple Ridge dental office.
5) Use Mouthwash
Various oral health conditions can be effectively treated with the use of a therapeutic mouthwash, although it’s also a bonus that it gives you fresher smelling breath. However, those over the counter mouthwashes or cosmetic washes will only hide your bad breath; they won’t help fight gingivitis and minimize the risk of cavities and plaque. Your dentist can tell you whether you need a cosmetic mouthwash, or you need the more powerful effects of a therapeutic mouthwash.
6) Don’t Grind Your Teeth
A mouth guard worn at night can prevent you from grinding your teeth, a bad habit that can tear the cheek tissue, wear down the tooth enamel and increase your overall teeth sensitivity.
7) Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Long term healthy teeth and gums should be your goal, and regular dental visits can help achieve that. Proper oral hygiene at night and during the day are important, but so is preventative care for your teeth and gums.