A consistent morning routine is said to set the tone for the rest of your day and increase productivity. Perhaps your routine involves exercising, breakfast, meditation, catching up on the news, scheduling, getting your children ready for school, etc. Similarly, a nighttime routine can help you physically and mentally prepare for the next day and help you sleep better.
So how are you spending the time before you go to bed? In this blog post, we go over a few ways you can improve your dental health with your nighttime routine.
- Always Brush Before Going to Sleep
- Take Time to Floss
- Don’t Eat After Brushing & Flossing
- Watch Out for Teeth Grinding
- Wear Your Retainer
When you’re tired, you might feel tempted to skip the whole business of brushing your teeth before going to bed. However, if you skip this important step, the food particles and bacteria that accumulated in your mouth throughout the day will sit on your teeth and below your gums as you sleep. Poor oral hygiene will eventually result in dental issues, such as bad breath, decay, cavities, gum disease, infection, and even tooth loss.
After brushing, spend a minute or two longer by flossing your teeth as well. This extra step will help decrease the amount of plaque buildup between your teeth and along your gumline. If plaque is allowed to accumulate, it can cause your teeth to become discolored and your gums to become inflamed, irritated, and infected.
In general, consume sugary foods and drinks in moderation. Sugar is food for bacteria, which produce enamel-damaging acids that increase your risk of decay and cavities. There is sugar in a variety of foods, juices, sodas, and other beverages. After you brush your teeth at night, avoid eating and drinking anything other than water unless you plan on brushing and flossing your teeth again.
Wear a protective mouthguard at night if you deal with bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and clenching. A custom-fitted nightguard will protect your teeth from erosion, chips, and breaks. It can also help reduce headaches and jaw pain. Think you may grind your teeth at night? Consult with us about getting fitted for a nightguard.
If you’ve recently finished up with orthodontic treatment, you may have a retainer you’re supposed to wear every night when sleeping. Remember to put it in so that your teeth stay in their newly aligned positions. If you wait to put on your retainer for several nights, you’ll definitely feel the difference!
At Southwest Smiles in Austin, TX, we’re always here to help you improve the health of your smile. If you have any questions about our comprehensive dental services or about our family-friendly office, contact us today!
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