While some of us set aside time to calmly turn down for the evening, others can put off any bedtime preparations until they are completely exhausted. No matter which approach you take, you should have some time set aside each night to care for your smile. If you want to successfully prevent problems with tooth decay and gum disease, you should stick to an oral hygiene routine that sees you brush at least twice, and floss at least once. Taking time to brush and floss before bed will allow you to clear away all bacteria and food debris before you sleep. When you are asleep, your body produces less saliva, which interferes with your natural resistance to dental problems, making these practices before bed particularly valuable. Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can offer guidance on smart smile care whenever you come in for your next routine dental exam!
Take The Time To Floss Before Your Night Ends
Over the course of your day’s meals and snacks, you may have found yourself dealing with food stuck between teeth at least once. What you should know is that you may not notice smaller amounts of food debris, and you can also have bacteria build up in these spaces throughout each day. Taking the time to floss thoroughly before bed will protect you against dental decay as well as gingivitis. Make sure that you commit enough time and energy to fully clear away any harmful materials between your teeth, and that you always floss at the base of your teeth to prevent periodontal problems.
Is Exhaustion Causing You To Practice Poor Brushing Habits?
If you struggle with poor sleep habits, or if you have unresolved issues with sleep apnea, it can be difficult to feel energized throughout the day. One problem with fatigue is that it makes focusing difficult. It also leaves you lethargic enough to make even routine tasks more difficult. You should brush for at least two minutes if you want to fully clean your smile before bed. If fatigue often interferes with your routine, talk to your dentist and see if the matter might be related to sleep apnea.
Should You Wear A Guard To Prevent Teeth Grinding?
For some people, putting in a night guard before bed will be the final step in their oral care routine. This is necessary when you struggle with teeth grinding, a problem that can lead to worrying dental wear and tear as well as physical damage. We can discuss this problem if we identify issues with worn or chipped enamel, or if you have issues with jaw pain or sensitivity that can be traced to grinding.
Your Ankney, IA Dentist Can Help You Maintain Your Healthy Smile!
Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is committed to helping patients in the office, and we can also help you at home by providing guidance on good oral health care! To learn more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
