7 Bedtime Habits that Can Improve Your Oral Health

Consistency is necessary to achieve good oral health, as improving the condition of your teeth and gums doesn’t happen overnight. Being mindful of your dental care practices and seeing your dentist regularly in SE Calgary, AB, is crucial. 

At home, here are some bedtime habits that can help enhance your oral health:

1. Floss Your Teeth

Flossing is an essential component of daily oral hygiene practices. A toothbrush won’t be able to cover all nooks and crannies, making dental floss its ideal complement. The flexibility of a floss allows it to penetrate tight spaces between teeth, where food debris often becomes lodged.

Due to the decreased salivary flow, a lot can happen during sleep. The mouth may become more acidic, and plaque may accumulate more rapidly. When food deposits and plaque are not removed, tartar can form.

That's why flossing before bed is extremely beneficial for protecting teeth from acid attacks. It’s also a good idea to floss in the morning if you’re prone to developing tartar or decay.

2. Brush Properly

   Brushing before bed prevents plaque from building up. But not all brushing is beneficial. It’s important to pay attention to your brushing techniques because, otherwise, they may do more harm than good. 

   Refrain from brushing vigorously because this can cause the enamel to erode faster over time and result in gum recession too. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush is also not a guarantee that you'll be able to clean your teeth more effectively. 

   Instead of using a hard brush and brushing aggressively, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and take your time when brushing. Cover all areas, particularly the back molars used for heavy chewing. They're susceptible to decay because of the fissures on their surfaces where debris can get trapped. 

3. Clean Your Tongue

   Food deposits, plaque, and harmful bacteria can accumulate on the tongue. 

   Include your tongue when cleaning your mouth to prevent a bacteria-laden film from accumulating on it and causing bad breath. Not cleaning your tongue can reduce the benefits you receive from daily brushing and flossing.  

   It can transmit debris and bacteria back to the teeth and gums. Over time, built-up debris can also lead to bad breath and an impaired sense of taste. 

4. Rinse With a Therapeutic Mouthwash

   Mouth rinses can be a valuable addition to your oral hygiene regimen. Using a mouthwash helps reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and dislodge deposits that remain after flossing and brushing. 

   Your dentist can recommend a particular brand or type of mouthwash based on your individual needs.

   Rinsing before bed can help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. But note that this is not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing.

5. Wear a Nightguard

   Teeth grinding or clenching at night can lead to premature enamel erosion and impact jaw alignment over time. Even though it occurs involuntarily, you can still protect your teeth and oral health by investing in custom oral appliances. 

   A nightguard protects your mouth from the harmful impacts of teeth grinding. It may also alleviate related jaw pain. The exact causes of bruxism are unknown, but there are ways to reduce its potentially damaging effects.

6. Clean Your Dental Appliance

   Cleaning your dental appliance is essential because bacteria can lurk on it and contribute to plaque buildup. Bacteria can also increase your risk of developing gum disease and cavities. Whether you’re wearing removable dentures or plastic aligners, be sure to clean them before bed. 

   Dentures aren’t worn while sleeping, so when not in use, clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Keep them moist to maintain their shape. As for clear aligners, you may need to wear them to sleep, so remove them for cleansing before bedtime.

7. Reduce Sugar and Starch Intake

   It’s also beneficial to limit the consumption of sugary and starchy foods, as their residue attracts and feeds harmful bacteria. 

   Harmful bacteria will thrive if there’s a constant food supply, and they'll multiply even more quickly during sleep. 

   Avoid consuming excessive amounts of these foods at night, and don't neglect your oral hygiene routine. 

8. Drink Water

   Drinking water before bed stimulates salivary flow and moisturizes the mouth. It also helps flush down deposits.  

   Increasing water intake is the easiest method to prevent food residue from clinging to teeth and reduce acidity in the mouth. 

   If these substances stay in the mouth, cavity-causing bacteria will consume them and produce acids that can wear the enamel.

What’s Your Bedtime Oral Hygiene Routine?

Improving your oral health requires evaluating your daily habits. What you do before bedtime is especially important, as the mouth becomes more acidic at this time. 

Follow our blogs for more suggestions on improving your oral hygiene routine. And if you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist in SE Calgary, AB, please get in touch with us at Mckenzie Towne Dental. Let’s help you boost your dental care routine so you can enjoy an attractive, confident, and healthy smile.