How to Care For Your Teeth While You Sleep
Wearing a dental night guard is one way to protect your teeth while you sleep. Truth be told, some people aren’t even aware of what caring for your teeth while you snooze can do for your oral health. Sure, it’s 8 hours of inactivity, and the body is just resting. But did you know that while we sleep, our mouths produce twice as much bacteria compared to when we’re awake? It’s true!
Plaque builds up on teeth, on the back of the tongue, and along the gum line more during the twilight hours. Our salivary flow rate is also extremely low during the wee hours of the morning, which may make our teeth susceptible to damage by bacteria. This is also why we tend to have bad breath in the morning.
Having knowledge about what happens with our mouths during the night actually gives us an advantage because we can take precautionary measures in order for us to properly take care of our teeth before we hit the sheets, so read on to find out more!
Brush before going to bed
Just like your morning oral routine, brushing your teeth should still be on the top of the list before you go to sleep. Brushing helps protect your teeth against plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. The ideal way to clean your teeth is to gently brush back and forth in short strokes. Remember to brush both the inner and outer surfaces. Brushing immediately before bed minimizes the growth of bacteria during rest. Remember not to eat or drink anything between brushing your teeth and going to bed, to get the full benefit.
Don’t skip the floss!
Flossing is a great way to remove all the tiny food particles that regular brushing isn’t able to remove. If debris stays on the teeth, bacteria will increase throughout the night and feed off it while you’re sleeping. Flossing is also recommended for those who are prone to gum disease or tartar buildup.
Rinse with mouthwash
More than just giving you fresh breath, mouthwashes contain ingredients that help strengthen teeth. They rid your teeth of plaque and protect it from cavities and gingivitis. Make sure to consult with your dentist on what the right kind of mouthwash to use. Some over-the-counter cosmetic rinses are only designed to mask bad breath and not care for your teeth’s overall health. The presence of mouthwash in your mouth during sleep can slow the growth of bacteria and even alleviate morning breath!
Prevent teeth grinding with a dental night guard
Teeth grinding is not something you can fully control, but there are ways to overcome it. One is through wearing a kind of mouth guard called a dental night guard, that you can wear during sleep to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding. Without a dental night guard, your teeth are more susceptible to worn tooth enamel, increased sensitivity, and even torn cheek tissues.
Talk to a trusted dentist
More than just maintaining a good oral health routine, your dentist can help you keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. Preventive care and maintenance are important things to keep in mind most especially when you want to achieve a healthy set of teeth. If you’re looking for the best dentist Wellington can provide, look to Naenae Dental Clinic. We can help you care for your teeth and bring it to its optimal health and state. Book an appointment with us today and give off your best smile.