Answers to my Night Time Dental Care Questions

Why is oral care important at bedtime?
Taking care of your teeth at night is especially important because you don’t swallow while you’re asleep. That means the bacteria in your mouth increases during the night. Your goal at bedtime is to prevent giving the bacteria anything to thrive upon.

What are the steps for nighttime dental care?
You should brush, floss, and possibly rinse with mouthwash. It doesn’t matter what order you perform these steps, as long as you’re removing food particles and plaque.

Should I brush after dinner or right before bed?
If your dentist says you’re at high risk for cavities or gum disease, it’s possible that you should brush both after eating and before bed. Just make sure to complete the tasks at least once before retiring for the night.

Is flossing really necessary every night?
Flossing is important for removing plaque and food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Plaque can be removed more easily before it hardens, because then it forms tartar and can only be removed by a professional. That’s why it’s best to floss daily to avoid tartar buildup.

What if I grind my teeth?
Dentists can’t stop you from grinding your teeth, but they can help protect your teeth from its effects. A mouthguard may be customized for you to wear at night so that damage to your teeth will be minimized.

How can I prevent morning breath?
It’s impossible to completely avoid bad breath associated with waking up in the morning, because it’s related to minimal saliva and sleeping with your mouth closed. However, if you maintain a consistent and proper nighttime dental hygiene routine, you will have the best chances of minimizing that bad mouth odor when you awaken.