The bacteria do not stop working ever — they continue to do the damage even when you are sleeping. Thus, dentists recommend people maintain good oral hygiene and develop good night-time oral habits to stay away from infections. In this article, we share with you five night-time healthy oral habits that will help you stay away from tooth infections and diseases.
Always Brush Your Teeth Before Going to Sleep
Brushing helps get rid of plaque, which is the source of all bacteria in the mouth. Thus, regular brushing protects the teeth from oral infections and diseases. Always brush your teeth before going to sleep. If your teeth are sensitive and prone to infections, brush your teeth twice — once right after dinner and then, once more before going to sleep.
Learn to Brush the Right Way
Now that you know that brushing before going to sleep is important, also know that brushing alone is not enough — you must learn to brush the right way. So, how does one brush properly? Brush your teeth gently in the back and forth motion. Start with the outer part of the teeth and then, slowly move towards the inside. If you find it hard to reach the back of your teeth, use your toothbrush’s tip.
Switch to an Electric Toothbrush
If you are not sure about how to brush your teeth the right way, then replace your normal brush with an electric brush. The oscillating top and vibrating body of an electric toothbrush make it far easier to clean your teeth. When it comes to electric toothbrushes, there are many different choices available in the market. So, make sure to do your research and pick the right one for you.
Look for a Dentist-Approved Mouthwash
Most of us use a mouthwash to smell minty fresh. However, mouthwashes are actually meant to help us get rid of the bacteria in our mouths. The mouthwashes that line the shelves in supermarkets do not do this job properly. Thus, talk to your dentist and ask them for a recommendation. Use your dentist-recommended mouthwash a couple of times a day to keep cavities and dental diseases at bay.
Floss Regularly
Lastly, combine regular brushing with regular flossing. While brushing protects your teeth to some extent, it does not help you get rid of the food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth. These food particles attract bacteria, which work to create cavities. This is where flossing comes in handy. When these food particles and plaque are left between the teeth, they turn into tarter, which is another cause of cavities. More importantly, tartar is not something you can get rid of on your own. Thus, if you want to save yourself from trips to your dentist, floss regularly. Floss at least twice during the day — once in the morning and once before going to bed.
The Final Word
If you want your teeth to stay strong and healthy, make sure to follow these simple-to-follow tips. That apart, do not miss those routine trips to your dentist. Regular check-ups are more important than you think.
If you are looking for a dentist, HPS Advanced Dental Care would love to see you. Dr. Heather are gladly accepting new patients.
We are located at 4741 24 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48316, and we can be reached at (248) 652-0024. We look forward to meeting you!
