5 Bedtime Habits That Can Improve Your Oral Health

Tooth issue remedies aren’t always an overnight solution. Following a complete and consistent oral hygiene routine at home is just as imperative to maintaining excellent dental and gum health as regularly visiting a family dentist in Etobicoke for cleanings and checkups. Here are five important bedtime oral hygiene tips that can help improve your dental and oral health.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth before Bed

A well-rounded and effective bedtime oral hygiene routine should include both brushing and flossing your teeth. Brushing removes surface stains, plaque and reduces discolouration, whereas flossing removes stuck-on food particles between your teeth. Combining both practices as part of your oral hygiene routine lowers your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Use an Electric Toothbrush

Dentists recommend the use of an electric toothbrush for patients with low motor skills or poor brushing skills. Electric toothbrushes are a great substitute for manual brushing because they offer ultra-power brushing capabilities that are more effective at removing plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. Advanced electric toothbrushes have adjustable speed and pressure settings that can be customized according to individual needs.

Also Read: How Sleep Deprivation Affects Your Oral Health

Use a Tongue Cleaner

When it comes to your oral health, it’s not enough to only clean your teeth and gums. Your tongue can also accumulate bacteria throughout the day. Every time you brush your teeth, use a tongue cleaner to scrape leftover plaque and tartar off of your tongue. Some toothbrushes even come with ripples, or a tongue cleaner, attached to the back of the brush head for this purpose.

Rinse Your Mouth with Mouthwash

Your mouth has a lot of corners and crevices that are difficult or downright impossible to reach with a toothbrush or floss. Mouthwash can reach those evasive hidden corners of your mouth and clean out plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria. Using mouthwash every night before bed has also been proven to remineralize your teeth and neutralize the acidity that builds up in your mouth from foods and drinks that you consume throughout the day. Acidity that remains in your mouth overnight can wear down your tooth enamel faster, which can lead to tooth decay.

Wear a Nightguard

A lot of people grind their teeth in their sleep without even knowing it. This is a condition known as bruxism. Grinding your teeth is a major issue because it can weaken the structural integrity of your teeth and cause mild or extensive jaw misalignment over time. Waking up with a sore jaw every morning is one of the most common indicators of teeth grinding. Wearing a custom-fitted nightguard is one of the most common and effective dental care treatments to combat bruxism.

Get Professional Dental Healthcare in Toronto

Dr. Janice Mummery is an experienced family dentist in Etobicoke who offers routine & emergency dental care for patients of all ages. Along with the rest of her team at Princeview Dental Group, she has the skills and expertise to offer custom dental and oral care treatments that fit every patient’s needs. Contact us today to learn more and book an appointment.