Nighttime Brushing Is More Important Than You Think

By Dr. William Walden, Paducah Dental Care

 

It’s late and you’re ready to call it a day. You just don’t feel like dragging yourself

into the bathroom to brush and floss those pearly whites before going to sleep.

But while brushing your teeth in the morning is important to protect your teeth and gums, brushing before bedtime is perhaps even more crucial to good oral health.

The reason for this is simple. Our teeth and gums are more vulnerable to harmful bacteria as we sleep. During the day, our mouths produce saliva that neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, thus providing a shield of protection for our teeth and gums. However, as we sleep our bodies produce less saliva, which leaves our teeth more vulnerable to bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Perhaps you never realized it, but brushing at bedtime is also a strong defense against “morning breath.” You may have noticed that you wake up feeling thirsty in the mornings. You’ve probably also detected a hint of bad breath upon first waking up. This happens because your body produces less saliva during sleep.

Brushing at bedtime reduces the amount of bacteria known to cause bad breath and helps to prevent against infections that can create foul mouth odors.

Nighttime brushing also helps to reduce plaque, that nasty yellow film that builds up between teeth and along the gum lines. Plaque bacteria use sugar to produce acids. If left untreated, plaque can lead to painful oral health care problems, including the erosion of tooth enamel.

Breaking bad habits is never easy, but here are some tips for establishing a healthy nighttime oral health routine.

1. Each night as you settle in to watch your favorite television program or to read a good book, remember to set an alarm as a reminder to brush and floss before heading to bed.

2. Brush your teeth before you are too tired or forget to do so.

3. If you watch nighttime television, try brushing during a commercial break.

4. Consider keeping floss next to your armchair as a reminder to brush and floss before hitting the sack.

A couple of extra minutes every night can make a big difference in your oral health. To prevent oral healthcare problems brush your teeth twice daily, include flossing in your routine and make appointments for routine check ups with your dentist. These simple things can save money and a lifetime of poor oral health.

Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!