7 Night Time Tips for Improving Your Oral Health
For some individuals, bad breath in the morning means really bad breath in the morning. Not only is the odor uncomfortable to wake up with, but the lingering taste in your mouth can be unpleasant, too.
Some individuals think that when the body sleeps, it shuts down for the night. Yet, the truth is there is, in fact, a lot of bacteria activity happening during the night. Your mouth isn’t producing as much saliva that cleanses the mouth at night, thus leaving you with more bacteria in your mouth than you’d like to think. So these night time tips for improving your oral health can help you have a happy morning.
Since so much is happening in your mouth at night – we’d like to provide you with the best night time tips for improving your oral health. Let’s get to it!
1. Brush before bed
Brushing before bed is our #1 tip and it couldn’t be any more simple. By brushing for the dentist recommended time of 3 minutes, you’ll fight against the build-up of plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. Also, don’t forget to use fluoride toothpaste for healthy teeth!
We advise talking to your dentist to see whether you are susceptible to cavities and gum disease. If so, brushing after dinner then again before bedtime is suggested.
2. Brush well
Brushing your teeth won’t suffice unless you brush well! With this said, it’s important to know that form is everything! Brushing gently with back and forth short strokes is advised. Also, brushing the outer tooth surfaces first, then the inner tooth surfaces, followed by the chewing surfaces. Ensure that you never leave a brushing session without gently brushing the backs of your front teeth.
3. Switch to an electronic toothbrush
You may have noticed the uprise of electronic toothbrushes. Let’s just say that they aren’t popular for no reason! Electronic toothbrushes are highly recommended over a regular toothbrush. Not only are they eco-friendly, but the rotating movement of your electronic toothbrush actually cleans your teeth far more efficiently than any other kind of toothbrush.
4. Don’t skip flossing
Did you know that flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth? It’s not just about brushing, but it’s about brushing and flossing, too! Flossing removes food particles and plaque buildup from your teeth. By flossing before bed, you’ll decrease your chances of more bacteria building within your mouth.
If you are susceptible to gum disease or tartar buildup, it is suggested that you also floss in the morning.
5. Use mouthwash
You may not be aware, but certain types of therapeutic mouthwashes include special ingredients that help strengthen teeth and treat oral health conditions. Not only will rinsing your mouth with a wash leave your mouth feeling and smelling fresher, but it will also aid you in leaving your teeth free of plaque and cavities.
Not sure about what mouthwash is right for you? Simply ask one of our North Pointe Dentists for their list of recommendations!
6. Be cautious of teeth grinding
Have you ever woken up in the morning with a sore jaw? Experiencing this first thing when you awake may be indicative of teeth grinding. Teeth grinding, unfortunately, can wear down tooth enamel, increase tooth sensitivity and tear cheek tissue.
If you are weary about teeth grinding at night, you may want to invest in a mouth guard that can help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.
7. Schedule regular dental check-ups
At North Pointe Dental Associates, we always recommend our patients to schedule six-month dental cleanings to ensure that their mouth is kept at its optimal health. During your visits, your dentist and hygienist will review the health of your teeth and gums, provide a thorough cleaning and recommend a treatment plan if necessary.
Don’t forget that preventative care is also just as critical as daily oral health care.
Find a dentist you feel comfortable seeing
With over 40 years of experience treating our patients, we feel confident that we create dental experiences that are enjoyable and efficient. If you have yet to find a dentist you feel comfortable seeing, get in touch with our staff!
