In order to maintain optimal oral health, you must take care of your teeth not just in the morning, but at all times of the day, especially at night before you go to bed.. Why? When you fall asleep, you are essentially letting your teeth — and whatever is on them — sit for a period of 6 to 8 hours without any cleaning. During the day, you may be consuming foods and drinks that cleanse and strengthen the teeth. At the very least, you will be drinking water, which helps rinse the teeth throughout the day. This is not the case while you sleep. As such, it is absolutely important to practice habits that improve your oral health before bed. That way, your teeth can rest at night just as peacefully as you do.
Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods
You should always avoid food and beverages that damage your teeth. However, if you consume them in the morning or afternoon, you at least have the rest of the day to rinse your teeth with water, consume dentally healthy foods, or even sneak in a quick brushing after a meal. This is not the case at night, especially before bed. Not only are you leaving the sugary and acidic residue on your teeth, you are letting it settle for 6-8 hours, giving it the opportunity to eat away at your tooth enamel and lead to more serious dental issues.
Wear a Mouth Guard to Protect Against Tooth Grinding
Mouth guards have many purposes. The most popular usage of this piece of equipment is to protect the teeth and gums in sports. However, there is a lesser known use for mouth guards: to combat bruxism, especially sleep bruxism. Bruxism is unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth. This is an unhealthy habit, as the friction and pressure erodes tooth enamel. Mouth guards prevent this happening by sheathing your teeth in a rubbery cover. If you suffer from bruxism, be sure to put in a mouth guard before bedtime.
Brush Your Teeth!
Everyone knows this one, but not everyone actually brushes their teeth at night. You have heard dentists tell you this again and again. Why is brushing your teeth at night so important? Why not just wait until morning? As said earlier, your teeth sit untouched for 6-8 hours when you sleep. Night brushing accomplishes three things. First, it removes the harmful residue left by sugary and acidic foods and beverages you may have consumed earlier. Second, it dislodges any food particles stuck between your teeth; particles that could result in plaque buildup if left to settle. Third, brushing your teeth at night eliminates plaque and bacteria buildup throughout the night. Night brushing undeniably improves your oral health before bed.
Interested in more information about keeping your teeth healthy day and night? Contact Greenspoint Dental – we would be delighted to answer all of your questions or help you schedule an appointment. Call our dental offices in Houston today.