8 Bedtime Habits That Can Help with Your Oral Health

8 Bedtime Habits That Can Help with Your Oral Health

 

Good oral hygiene is associated with several health benefits. Low risk of heart attacks, healthy lungs, safer pregnancy, and strong gums are some significant advantages of proper dental maintenance.

Irrespective of your age, it is crucial to maintain effective oral health habits. In most cases, you are aware of the daytime routines.

For instance, brushing twice and rinsing after every meal might be part of your schedule.

Still, there are specific bedtime tips that can go unnoticed. This blog puts forth simple oral health suggestions you can include before going to sleep.

 

#1 Do Not Forget to Brush and Floss

It is a cliché that you need to brush twice, once in the morning and at night. Still, do you actually follow this routine every day?

Well, in some cases, you can feel tired and skip the pre-sleep brush activity. However, here are the reasons that highlight the importance of this habit:

  • Brushing before going to bed ensure the removal of food particles
  • Regular brushing and flossing lead to the removal of plaque
  • This habit prevents the issue of dry mouth
  • The harmful bacteria build-up remains under control

For the best results, ensure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. In addition, you can even use an electric brush to skip manual actions.

 

#2 Use A Therapeutic Mouthwash

In simple terms, a therapeutic mouthwash has ingredients that control the following problems:

  • Gingivitis
  • Tooth decay
  • Bad breath
  • Plaque

This product works as an add-on to the vital habit of brushing and flossing. Also, it inhibits the growth of bad bacteria while you sleep. To choose the best product, consult an experienced dentist.

One of the evident benefits of this habit is the refreshing feeling while you go to sleep. Using mouthwash can shrug off the fatigue of the day.

 

#3 Keep Adequate Gap Between Dinner and Bedtime

First, you should not eat any food after brushing at night. This caution ensures that your mouth stays free from debris and food items that stick between the gaps of teeth.

Also, an interval of two to four hours between dinner and bedtime aids the following activities:

  • You get sufficient time to digest food
  • The gap helps you complete your oral maintenance routine
  • Your sleep quality becomes better
  • The body does not face an issue of slower metabolism

Moreover, an interval between dinner and sleep allows you to accommodate time for brushing, rinsing, and flossing. So, ensure that you follow this tip and make it a mandate to perform all necessary dental hygiene activities.

 

#4 Avoid Eating Specific Food Items Before Bedtime

Foods rich in sugar can damage your teeth. In addition, such items increase the likelihood of harmful bacteria growth.

Sugar tends to break down into acids that can damage your tooth enamel. Consequently, you face the problem of cavities and decay. So, avoid consuming the following food products at night:

  • Soft drinks
  • Coffee
  • Acidic fruits
  • Candy
  • Chocolate

On the contrary, drinking green tea can protect you from gum disease, bad breath, and cavities. The antioxidants help protect your teeth’ enamel.

So, sugarless green tea in limited quantity at bedtime can enhance oral hygiene. Ensure you brush correctly to avoid staining due to this beverage’s intake.

 

#5 Prevent Grinding and Clenching of Teeth

If you have the habit of teeth grinding, it is critical to use a mouthguard. If you overlook this detrimental act, you can face these common oral health issues:

  • Damaged tooth enamel
  • Impact on the sleep quality
  • Torn cheek
  • Sore jaw
  • High dental sensitivity

A good bedtime routine to prevent such occurrences is to use a mouthguard. These simple products are tailor-made to suit your facial structure.

They are generally made from plastic and prevent any damage due to grinding and clenching. So, if you have this issue, use such products to maintain good oral health.

 

#6 Drink Water Consistently

This tip can seem impractical in your bedtime routine. However, adequate hydration is vital for the following reasons:

  • Water helps flush the food particles away
  • The fluid helps maintain moisture in your mouth
  • Drinking water limits bad bacterial growth
  • You can rinse your mouth without special preparation

It is crucial not to drink water in excess to avoid visiting the washroom frequently. Still, you should pay attention to hydration at regular intervals.

Overall, drinking water in normal quantity helps elevate your oral health immensely.

 

#7 Pay Attention to Your Brushing Form

In addition to brushing before bedtime, you should pay equal attention to the following aspects:

  • Toothbrush with soft bristles
  • Gentle and short brushing strokes
  • Coverage of outer and inner teeth surface
  • Use of brush tip to clean the back surface of front teeth

You can even use an oscillating or rotating electric toothbrush to get the best results. However, this suggestion depends on your comfort level.

Furthermore, gently brushing your tongue can control bacterial growth. This way, you can maintain good oral hygiene.

 

#8 Consume a Proper Diet

You can include certain food items at night to elevate the level of oral hygiene. Here is a handy list to consider for your dinner preparation:

  • Cheese
  • Milk
  • Leafy greens
  • Nuts
  • Cranberries
  • Broccoli
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Whole grains

All these products are nutritious and do not irritate your teeth. In addition, foods like whole grains contain nutrients that keep your gums healthy. Sweet potatoes help maintain the soft gum tissues.

So, increasing the intake of such foods at night can prove as a catalyst for maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

 

Summing Up

Bedtime oral hygiene tips are simple and depend on your self-discipline. Hence, you need to find practical ways to include brushing, flossing, and rinsing before going to bed.

Use fluoride-rich toothpaste and a brush with soft bristles. Also, choosing foods that do not damage your teeth’ enamel is crucial. Drinking green tea at night can also prove beneficial to maintain oral hygiene.

Finally, consult your dentist to receive a customized recommendation. After all, availing services of a reliable dental expert can help you establish the best bedtime routine for splendid oral health.