Once you’ve climbed into bed to get some much-needed rest, a lot can happen in your mouth while you are sleeping. Bacteria will begin to gather on your teeth, so to avoid the chances of developing cavities, gingivitis, or tartar, here are 5 night-time tips for improving your oral health.
Brush Before Bed
Before you call it a night, it’s crucial that you brush your teeth first. Not only will doing so help to protect your teeth and gums from plaque build-up, but you can reduce the risk of gum disease too. If you are prone to getting cavities, dentists like this dentist in Valencia advise that you brush your teeth shortly after your dinner, as well as right before you go to sleep
Use Good Form
You may not realise it, but the way you clean your teeth can play a huge part in how effective your oral hygiene routine is. According to dentists, it’s best to use short strokes, brushing back and forth gently to help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Make sure that you brush the outer tooth surfaces to begin with, following onto the inner tooth surfaces, and finishing with the chewing surfaces.
Switch to an Electric Toothbrush
If you have always used a manual toothbrush, it may be time to opt for an electric toothbrush instead. There are lots of benefits that an electric toothbrush can bring, helping to clean your teeth more efficiently. When finding an electric toothbrush, make sure that you pick one that’s comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Floss Regularly
While you may think that brushing twice a day is more than enough, there are certain areas of your mouth that toothbrushes cannot reach, therefore, flossing once a day can help remove food particles that have become trapped, as well as reducing plaque build-up. If this debris doesn’t get cleared away, the bacteria will increase during the night and feed off it while you are asleep. While flossing before bed is fine for most people, it’s recommended that you floss when you wake up too, especially if you’re more susceptible to tartar build-up or gum disease. It can be difficult to floss correctly at first, so you may want to consider using flossing sticks or interdental sticks that can make the task easier.
Visit Your Dentist
To ensure you are keeping good care of your teeth and gums, it’s important that you see your dentist for regular check-ups. When looking for the best Melbourne dental care practice, you want to look for someone who provides a range of services such as dental implants, dental clinic services, crowns and bridges, as well as a scale and polish.
If you have dental anxiety, the thought of even making an appointment can be overwhelming, so you may want to try out a relaxation technique which can help keep you calm before and during your visit.
Brushing your teeth before hitting the hay, using the correct form, switching to an electric toothbrush for better results, as well as flossing regularly are some of the best night-time tips when it comes to improving your oral health.
