When you sleep, the free flow of saliva in your mouth slows down. Therefore, your mouth gets more vulnerable to bacteria because the saliva cannot wash it away. This is the reason behind bad breath in the mornings or after a long nap. As you sleep, plaque collects on the surface of the teeth, the gum line, and the back of the tongue. This bacteria, over time, hardens to form a substance known as tartar. Tartar is not as easy to get rid of as plaque. To keep your dental health in check, we recommend you brush your teeth, use mouthwash, floss, and schedule regular visits with our professionals to keep your teeth safe while you sleep.
Brush Your Teeth Before Bed
When you brush your teeth, you scrape the plaque off the surfaces of your teeth. This plaque buildup is one of the significant causes of gum disease and tooth decay. We recommend you brush your teeth before getting into bed to get rid of any bacteria waiting to take advantage of your low saliva flow rate as you sleep. It would be best if you also avoided snacks or drinks after brushing as they will be counterproductive.
Use Mouthwash
Many people prefer to use mouthwash in the mornings only to keep their breath fresh throughout the day. Most are unaware of its benefits when used before you sleep. Mouthwash contains ingredients that help to strengthen your teeth. They also have bacteria-killing properties. Rinsing your teeth with mouthwash ensures that you slow the growth of bacteria as you sleep.
Do Not Forget to Floss
Dental floss is a great way to clean your teeth after meals. Many people choose to replace the toothbrush with dental floss. However, we recommend you floss after brushing your teeth. This routine will ensure you get rid of most food particles from the spaces between your teeth.
Schedule Regular Cleanings With Our Professionals
Regular visits to our offices are vital in keeping your teeth healthy. Our professionals will help you prevent any diseases and problems before they occur. They will also be able to deal with any problems that might have already occurred. Don't hesitate to call us for any information regarding your dental health.
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 • (971) 708-1608 • centurydentalllc.com • 12/2/2024 • Related Phrases: Dentist Hillsboro OR
When you sleep, the free flow of saliva in your mouth slows down. Therefore, your mouth gets more vulnerable to bacteria because the saliva cannot wash it away. This is the reason behind bad breath in the mornings or after a long nap. As you sleep, plaque collects on the surface of the teeth, the gum line, and the back of the tongue. This bacteria, over time, hardens to form a substance known as tartar. Tartar is not as easy to get rid of as plaque. To keep your dental health in check, we recommend you brush your teeth, use mouthwash, floss, and schedule regular visits with our professionals to keep your teeth safe while you sleep.