Smile Point Dental

860 S. 11th St Ste 101, Beaumont, TX 77701

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Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums

Oral Health Tips to Follow Before Going to Bed

A lot can happen to your teeth especially while you are asleep. When you are sleeping, bacteria are gathering on your teeth. But, don’t let nasty plaque, tartar, cavities and gingivitis stop you from getting a good night’s sleep. There are multiple ways to take care of your oral health while you are asleep. Here are some tips that you must follow to get you and your mouth through the night:

Brushing your teeth before going to sleep at night helps to protect against plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum disease. If you are susceptible to cavities, Beaumont Family Dentist recommends that you brush immediately after dinner, then again before bedtime.

Using the right brushing technique is also extremely important. The best way is to clean your teeth back and forth gently in strokes. Brush outer tooth surfaces first, then the inner tooth surfaces. To clean the back of front teeth, use the tip of the brush and stroke gently up down.

Switching to an electric toothbrush is yet another great idea. The rotating movement of electric toothbrush helps in removing plaque from your teeth efficiently. Make sure to choose an electric toothbrush that is easy to use, hold and comes with rotating-oscillating head.

Flossing along with brushing adds to the effectiveness. Flossing removes food particles and plaque. If the debris stays on your teeth, bacteria will multiply the entire night and feed off them. If the plaque is left to be hardened, it transforms into tartar. Tartar can only be removed with dental expert assistance during oral examination and cleaning. Flossing should ideally be done during the night.

Use mouthwash for rinsing. Therapeutic mouth rinses come with special ingredients that strengthen teeth and help treat certain oral health issues. Rinsing with a mouthwash will keep your teeth free of plaque and keep your gums safe from cavities. Similarly, cosmetic mouthwashes are meant to mask bad breath. Talk to your dentist to identify which mouthwash is ideal for you.

Be aware of teeth grinding. Patients suffering from increased tooth sensitivity, torn cheek tissue and worn tooth enamel. Wearing a mouthguard at night protects your teeth from the effects of grinding.

Visit your dentist regularly. Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups to help you keep your teeth clean and gums healthy. Preventive care is the key to a healthy mouth. So, start following these tips to keep your teeth healthy during night.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.