It’s something we’ve all forgotten to do at some point -- brushing teeth before turning in for the night. While nearly every dental professional recommends that their patients brush and floss prior to bedtime, holding to this exact routine may not be as essential as it was once believed.
This definitely doesn’t mean neglecting your smile altogether. What this does mean is that it may be possible to switch up your hygiene schedule and still promote long-term oral health.
Be Consistent!
No matter when it takes place, the goal of at-home dental care is to create and maintain a healthy environment in your mouth where your smile can thrive. While this is certainly achieved by brushing before you head to sleep, there’s no less benefit to doing so at another part of the day. If attending to your teeth before bed isn’t a hard and fast rule, why is this timeframe so commonly suggested?
One reason is that this establishes a rewarding habit. Brushing teeth twice daily is one of the more effective ways you can prevent plaque and tartar build-up. Dentists advise their patients to brush when they wake up and again at night so that they can incorporate this important aspect of preventive care into their normal routine seamlessly. This makes it easy to keep teeth clean on a regular basis and avoid the development of oral health concerns down the line.
The processes that take place when you’re not awake may be another reason why so many dentists recommend brushing before bed. While you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva, creating a dry, sticky environment that is well-suited for bacterial growth. These bacteria feed on leftover food particles, the kind that can accumulate after dinner or a late-night snack, and excrete a substance that contributes to cavities. However, since it takes a full 24 hours for these harmful microorganisms to mature, being consistent with your hygiene is more important than sticking to a strict timetable.
Is There an Ideal Time to Brush?
Though there is never a bad time to take care of your teeth, some opportunities are better than others. For example, while brushing after dinner is considered ideal, it’s important not to grab your toothbrush immediately after you eat. Acids from food weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to the type of wear that can occur from rigorous scrubbing. It’s best to wait a couple of hours in order to make sure your hygiene habits are keeping your smile healthy and strong.
Learn More by Scheduling an Appointment!
At Hanson Family Dental, we are more than happy to provide you with the education and preventive care you need to enjoy a lifetime of oral health. Ask Dr. Hanson at your next appointment about ways you can improve your at-home hygiene habits and what we can do to make these easier to maintain. For more information, give our Indianapolis office a call today!