|
Nighttime oral hygiene is just as important as your daytime oral hygiene. While we are sleeping, we are not swallowing, so the bacteria in our mouths increase throughout the night. The goal of proper nighttime care is to avoid giving the bacteria anything to break down and feed off. There are three basic steps to maintaining proper nighttime oral health: brushing, flossing and rinsing with a mouthwash. The order does not matter, as long as the food particles and plaque are removed. Brush before Bed Brushing your teeth helps protect them from plaque buildup and tooth decay. With a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste (containing fluoride), start brushing your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the correct method is to brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes. The ADA suggests brushing the outer tooth surfaces first, then working your way through the inner tooth surfaces and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Whether you should brush right after dinner, before bed, or both, depends on your susceptibility to dental disease. Because recent studies have shown that the risk for dental disease varies from person to person, dentists are now following medical models of dental disease to determine their patients' susceptibility and the type of care they need. Don't Just Brush - Floss! Cleaning between your teeth with floss allows you to reach plaque that you can't remove with a toothbrush. Flossing at least once a day will also help prevent periodontal (gum) disease. The ADA recommends using an 18-inch long strand of floss, winding more of it around your middle fingers to manage the floss as it gets dirty. Holding the remaining floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, use a gentle rubbing motion to guide the floss between your teeth. As you move toward the gum line, curve the floss into a C shape against each tooth, rubbing back and forth against the tooth as you go. When you get to the root of the tooth, slide the floss away from the gum with an up-and-down motion. Repeat for the rest of your teeth, including the backsides of your last teeth on the top and bottom. Flossing is important as it enables you to remove plaque while it is still soft. Once the plaque hardens and forms to tartar, only a professional cleaning by your dentist or hygienist can remove it. Rinse with Mouthwash Mouthwash isn't just for fresh breath - therapeutic mouth rinses contain special ingredients that strengthen teeth and help treat certain oral health conditions. Rinsing with a therapeutic mouthwash before bed will help keep your teeth free of plaque and cavities, and your gums safe from gingivitis. On the contrary, most commercial, over-the-counter mouthwashes - known as cosmetic mouthwashes - are designed to mask bad breath and won't do much to contribute to your oral health. Talk to your dentist about which mouthwash is right for you, or if you should steer clear. A lot can happen to your mouth in eight hours - especially when you're sleeping and bacteria are gathering on your teeth. Don't let the thought of nasty plaque, cavities, tartar, or gingivitis stop you from getting a good night's rest. There are many ways to maintain your oral health while you sleep, so talk to your dentist in Detroit today for more information on proper nighttime oral care.
At Grand River Family Dentistry is committed to providing treatment to the whole person, including Detroit dental implants, with a special focus on how teeth and gums relate to total body health. Dr. Abraham Azzouz, dentist in Detroit, is the founder and lead dentist of Grand River Family Dentistry and is joined by Drs. Mouhammed Razzak and Suheil Boutros for optimal dental health care.
|
