If you are asleep or if bacteria is building up, eight hours can cause a lot of problems. Do not let bad plaque, tartar, gingivitis, or other issues keep you from getting a good night’s rest. You can maintain your dental health while sleeping.
These are some tips that will help your mouth and you get through the night.
Get your teeth cleaned before you go to sleep.
To prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, it is important that you brush your teeth before you go to bed at night. If you have cavities or gum disease, your Rancho Cucamonga Dentist may suggest that you brush your teeth right after eating.
Use quality forms.
Dentists recommend that you gently brush your teeth in short strokes. Begin by brushing the outer surfaces, then the inner surfaces, and finally, the chewing surfaces. To clean your backs, use the tip of your toothbrush and gently stroke upward and downward.
Instead of using a toothbrush, use an electric one.
Rotating and oscillating motions of the toothbrush head help remove more plaque than regular toothbrushes. You want an electric toothbrush that is easy to hold and use.
Brush more than your brush!
Flossing removes food particles and plaque from your teeth while they are still soft. If you don’t floss, bacteria can develop on your teeth and feed off it throughout the night.
If it is not treated, the plaque can harden and become tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by professional cleaning. Most people can floss at night. If you have tartar buildup or gum disease, dentists recommend that you floss in the morning.
Use mouthwash.
Toothwash is more than just for fresh breath. Special ingredients are used in therapeutic mouth rinses to strengthen your teeth and treat certain conditions. Before you go to bed, rinse your teeth with a therapeutic mouthwash. This will help keep your gums healthy, and it will prevent cavities and plaque from forming.
Contrary to popular belief most commercial, over-the-counter mouthwashes (also known as cosmetic) are not intended to improve your oral health. Talk to your Rancho Cucamonga Dentist about which mouthwash works best for you.
Do not grind your teeth.
If you have sensitive teeth or enamel, you may grind your teeth when you sleep.
Rancho Cucamonga Dentists will not stop you from grinding but can give you a mouthguard you can use at night to protect against the harmful effects.
See your dentist regularly.
It is important to have regular dental cleanings and checkups. Rancho Cucamonga dentists and hygienists can help maintain healthy gums and teeth for the long-term. Healthy gums and teeth require both preventive care as well as maintenance.