How can you improve your oral health at night? Discover 7 essential tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy while you sleep.

Prioritize Nighttime Brushing for Plaque Control

Brushing your teeth before bed plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can accumulate on your teeth throughout the day, and left unchecked, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. By brushing before bed, you can remove this plaque and protect your mouth while you sleep.

Proper Brushing Technique: Maximizing Effectiveness

Brushing your teeth correctly is just as important as doing it regularly. Dentists recommend using gentle, back-and-forth strokes to clean the outer surfaces of your teeth, followed by the inner surfaces and chewing surfaces. Pay special attention to the hard-to-reach areas, such as the backs of your front teeth, using the tip of the brush.

The Advantages of Electric Toothbrushes

For even more effective plaque removal, consider switching to an electric toothbrush. The rotating and oscillating movement of the electric brush head can remove plaque more efficiently than a manual toothbrush. When choosing an electric toothbrush, look for one that is comfortable to hold, easy to use, and has the rotating-oscillating head design.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Flossing is a crucial step in nighttime oral hygiene, as it removes food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. If this debris remains on your teeth, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. For most people, flossing once a day, preferably at night, is sufficient, but those prone to gum disease or tartar buildup may benefit from flossing in the morning as well.

The Benefits of Therapeutic Mouthwash

Rinsing with a therapeutic mouthwash before bed can provide additional benefits beyond just freshening your breath. These specialized mouthwashes contain ingredients that can strengthen your teeth and help treat certain oral health conditions, such as plaque and gingivitis. It’s important to talk to your dentist about the right mouthwash for your specific needs.

Addressing Teeth Grinding

If you’re experiencing symptoms like worn tooth enamel, increased sensitivity, or torn cheek tissue, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep. While dentists can’t stop this behavior, they can provide you with a customized mouth guard to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding.

Regular Dental Check-ups: The Foundation of Oral Health

No matter how diligent you are with your nighttime oral hygiene routine, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining long-term oral health. Your dentist and hygienist can help identify and address any issues, as well as provide guidance on the best practices for keeping your teeth and gums in top condition.

By incorporating these seven essential tips into your nighttime routine, you can take proactive steps to improve your oral health and prevent issues like plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease while you sleep. Remember, consistency and attention to detail are key when it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth.

How can proper nighttime brushing help prevent plaque buildup? Brushing before bed helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, that can accumulate on your teeth throughout the day. Removing this plaque can prevent it from hardening into tartar and contributing to tooth decay and gum disease.

What is the correct brushing technique for maximum effectiveness? Dentists recommend using gentle, back-and-forth strokes to clean the outer surfaces of your teeth, followed by the inner surfaces and chewing surfaces. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as the backs of your front teeth, using the tip of the brush.

How do electric toothbrushes improve plaque removal? The rotating and oscillating movement of the electric brush head can remove plaque more efficiently than a manual toothbrush. When choosing an electric toothbrush, look for one that is comfortable to hold, easy to use, and has the rotating-oscillating head design.

Why is flossing so important for nighttime oral hygiene? Flossing removes food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. If this debris remains on your teeth, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. For most people, flossing once a day, preferably at night, is sufficient.

What are the benefits of using a therapeutic mouthwash before bed? Therapeutic mouthwashes contain specialized ingredients that can strengthen your teeth and help treat certain oral health conditions, such as plaque and gingivitis. These mouthwashes provide additional benefits beyond just freshening your breath.

How can dentists help address teeth grinding during sleep? If you’re experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding, such as worn enamel or increased sensitivity, your dentist can provide you with a customized mouth guard to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of this behavior.

Why are regular dental check-ups and cleanings so important for maintaining long-term oral health? Even with a diligent nighttime oral hygiene routine, regular professional care is essential for identifying and addressing any issues, as well as providing guidance on the best practices for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

7 Nighttime Tips for Improving Your Oral Health

By Robyn Moreno

Reviewed: November 9, 2012

Fact-Checked

A lot can happen to your mouth in eight hours — especially when you’re sleeping and bacteria are gathering on your teeth. But 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. Here are eight tips to get you — and your mouth — through the night.

1. Brush before bed. Brushing your teeth before you go to sleep at night helps protect against plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. If you are particularly susceptible to cavities and gum disease, dentists recommend that you brush immediately after dinner, then again right before bedtime.

2. Use good form. According to dentists, the best way to clean your teeth is to brush back and forth gently in short strokes. Brush the outer tooth surfaces first, then the inner tooth surfaces, followed by the chewing surfaces. To clean the backs of your front teeth, use the tip of the brush and stroke gently up and down.

3. Switch to an electric toothbrush. The rotating and oscillating movement of the electric toothbrush head removes plaque from your teeth more efficiently than a regular toothbrush. Be sure to choose an electric toothbrush that’s comfortable to hold, easy to use, and has the rotating-oscillating head.

4. Don’t just brush — floss! Flossing removes food particles and plaque buildup while it’s still soft. If this debris stays on the teeth, bacteria will increase throughout the night and feed off them while you’re sleeping. Furthermore, if the plaque is allowed to harden, it will turn into tartar, and tartar can only be removed by a hygienist or dentist during a professional cleaning. Flossing only at night is fine for most people, but if you’re prone to gum disease or tartar buildup, dentists recommend that you floss in the morning as well.

5. 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 they won’t do much to contribute to your oral health. Talk to your dentist about which mouthwash is right for you.

6. Be aware of teeth grinding. If you experience worn tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, or torn cheek tissue, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Though dentists can’t stop you from doing it, they can make you a mouth guard that you can wear at night to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.

7. See your dentist regularly. Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. Your dentist and hygienist will help you keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy over the long run. Remember, preventive care and maintenance are just as important for a healthy mouth as good daytime and nighttime oral hygiene.

This section created and produced exclusively by the editorial staff of EverydayHealth.com. © 2008 EverydayHealth.com; all rights reserved.

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How Bad Is It to Not Brush Your Teeth Before Bed?

We get it: Your nighttime rituals are jam-packed with face washing, skin care regimes, stretching, jammies selection… or, let’s be real, rolling into bed after a night out. Sometimes you might forget to brush your teeth.

For most people, brushing their teeth is a way to keep cavities at bay — with the pleasant side effects of a brighter smile and fresh breath. But we’ve all occasionally skipped the act before hitting the sack, whether out of pure laziness or extreme exhaustion. So how bad is it, really?

The short answer: It doesn’t matter if you brush your teeth right before bed. The most important thing is that you’re brushing your teeth twice in a 24-hour period, says Kimberly Harms, DDS, a dentist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA).

Here’s what’s happening in your mouth: A film of plaque is constantly building up thanks to the bacteria that live there, and it takes about 24 hours to mature. (That fuzzy feeling in your mouth the morning after you forget to brush? It’s alive!)

The bacteria produce acid throughout the day, and even more when you’re eating, which is why you want to get rid of the film at least twice per day — any less and the acid byproducts may eat into your enamel and cause cavities.

The longer the film sits on your teeth and the more food the bacteria feed on, the more time you’ll spend cringing in the dentist’s chair later on.

Speaking of which, dentists do recommend brushing when you wake up and before you go to sleep — mostly for the sake of forming a habit.

Plus, morning-after dragon breath is real. Brushing before bed is simply an act of kindness toward your bedmate, roommate, or anyone you encounter.

As it turns out, brushing in the space between dinner and bedtime is technically even better for your teeth than brushing right before bed.

That’s because it gives the fluoride in your toothpaste more time to strengthen your teeth and build up their barrier to acid before you go to sleep, says Denis Kinane, BDS, PhD, Dean of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine.

But don’t head to the bathroom right after you eat: Dinner is a time of peak acid exposure, which softens the surface layer of your enamel, says Yanfang Ren, DDS, PhD.

Immediately going for your toothbrush will remove the softened enamel and cause erosive tooth wear, so wait at least 30 minutes after dinner before you brush up.

And avoid snacking after that — bacteria feeds off of any carbohydrates (we’re not just talking about bread, they’re in nearly every food). If you want to get rid of extra acid and sugar right after you eat, rinse your mouth with some water.

The absence of our antibacterial saliva at night while we sleep means we’re extra vulnerable to cavity-causing agents and gum disease, Harms says, but don’t stress if you forget to brush every once in a great while.

Ren says it takes a long time for plaque to calcify (a fancy way to say “turn dangerous”) and brushing enough should remove day-old plaque — just up your brushing time from 2 minutes to 4, and you should be okay. And don’t forget to floss.

Ingesting carbs throughout the day also leaves people more prone to cavities. “If you snack all day long, the bacteria wake up and start producing acid every time you ingest any type of a carbohydrate,” Harms says.

During a typical meal, your saliva levels are higher, working to protect your teeth and aid in digestion. But as you graze throughout the day (or even slowly sip a cup of coffee), those repeated “exposures” to food give bacteria a meal every time, leading to more acid on your gleaming teeth.

• Brush twice in 24 hours. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. (2 minutes is longer than you think!)
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride significantly improves dental health to keep those chompers strong.
• Use a toothbrush that works for you. If you have any mobility issues or have trouble with a manual brush, try an electric version.
• Replace your toothbrush. Every 3 to 4 months is a good time frame unless the bristles are bent or you drop it in the toilet.
• Don’t scrub too hard. If you’re flattening out the bristles on the regular, take a lighter touch to prevent damaging your enamel and gums.
• Floss at least once a day. If you’re not doing this, you’re missing a ton of gross stuff in between your teeth wreaking havoc, and stinking up your breath.
• Rinse with water. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating instead of brushing immediately allows for the acids from food to go away before brushing.

The most important thing to remember: It doesn’t matter exactly when you brush your teeth, so long as you head into the night without bacteria (and the food they feed on) in your mouth.

Just be sure to brush those pearly whites twice daily and floss to get the bacteria out from between your teeth and prevent gum problems, tooth decay, and sensitivity. And try to cut back on grazing all day — and maybe that second cup of coffee — to avoid feeding the mouth monsters within.

Why brush your teeth, what will happen if you don’t brush your teeth for a long time

Publication date

07/03/2019

Update date

09/30/2022

Reading time

7 minutes

Have you ever thought about why brush your teeth, and even twice a day – in the morning and at night, and how in general home hygiene is associated with the appearance of caries? In fact, you need to arm yourself with a paste and a brush not only so that your breath becomes fresh and your teeth are not yellow. Why even brush your teeth?

The hygienists of our Center for Modern Dentistry on Baumanskaya in Moscow can say for sure – you need to brush your teeth regularly and efficiently, and once every 6 months you need to undergo professional oral hygiene. Read this article and find out why brushing your teeth is so important?

Why brush your teeth

Plaque forms on the surface of the teeth all the time. It is made up of saliva, food particles, and microorganisms that produce acids. They are the cause of the destruction of enamel and the appearance of caries. The only way to save your teeth from their effects is to remove plaque, that is, thoroughly clean your teeth and mouth. But that’s not the only reason to brush your teeth.

What good oral hygiene does for us

• Caries prevention. Microbes and food particles stuck in the interdental spaces negatively affect the enamel, gradually destroying it.
• Odor removal. Gases emitted by bacteria have a very unpleasant odour. In addition, food particles left in the oral cavity begin to decompose over time. As a result, bad breath appears, and thorough brushing of the teeth perfectly freshens the breath.
• Enamel remineralization. The use of strengthening toothpastes with a mineralizing effect will help to strengthen the enamel and make the teeth less susceptible to acids.
• Health and soft tissue massage. The stability of the teeth directly depends on the condition of the gums, and daily cleaning serves to prevent inflammation in soft tissues and improves the general condition of the oral cavity.
• Disease prevention. Microorganisms living in the oral cavity can cause ENT diseases, such as tonsillitis. Poor hygiene will contribute to this.

Why brush your teeth at night

At night, the human body rests, and its main systems go into “sleep” mode. The salivary gland is no exception, so in the morning we feel dry mouth and a great desire to drink. This is because during sleep, saliva is practically not secreted, which means that it does not perform its important functions:

• does not wash away food particles and bacteria from the surface of the teeth
• does not help regulate pH (acid-base balance) in the mouth

Did you brush your teeth before bed? This means that they have accumulated a plaque accumulated during the day, particles of food, as well as microorganisms that will eat them with pleasure until the morning. In such a comfortable environment, colonies of bacteria will quickly form. All night long, they will emit enamel-damaging acids, as well as gases that cause bad breath in the morning. All this can be avoided by thoroughly brushing your teeth after the last meal.

If you have to choose between the mandatory brushing of your teeth in the morning or before bed, then give preference to the latter option. During the day, saliva, solid foods and water will help you cope with plaque and bacteria, and at night your teeth become defenseless.

What can happen if you brush your teeth irregularly or poorly

• Caries will appear. Plaque on teeth constantly attracts food particles and bacteria. If you do not brush your teeth, microorganisms will feel so comfortable that on the third day their number in the oral cavity will exceed the entire population of the Earth. All these bacteria will begin to secrete acids, which will gradually destroy the enamel. So the infection will penetrate the tooth, and caries will begin.
• The color of the teeth will change. All products, even green tea, contain dyes. Because of them, the plaque is pigmented, that is, stained, and the teeth darken as a result. Professional oral hygiene will help restore their natural shade.
• Tartar forms faster. The soft film on the enamel mineralizes over time and turns into tartar. In fact, this is an inevitable process, since it is impossible to remove all plaque from the surface of each tooth even with the simultaneous use of a toothbrush, irrigator and floss. But those who brush their teeth thoroughly and regularly at home have fewer hard deposits and they form more slowly.
• There will be bad breath. Microbes living in plaque give off gases with a very unpleasant odor. If it is bad to remove the biofilm from the surface of the teeth, then you can forget about fresh breath.
• Inflamed gums. Gradually, tartar penetrates under the gum, and if they are not removed with ultrasound, then over time, an inflammatory process will begin in the soft tissues – bleeding, soreness and bad breath will appear.
• Teeth will become sensitive. If you do not pay attention to inflammation of the gums, over time, soft tissues will cease to be elastic, they will begin to decline, and the teeth will seem longer, because their roots will be exposed. At this point, you will have to exclude from the diet all sweet, salty, sour, cold and hot, as the sensitivity of the teeth will increase.
• Teeth will become unstable. Due to a strong inflammatory process, the tissue that holds the teeth in the socket is destroyed. They become unstable and over time can simply fall out.

Even the wrong movements when brushing your teeth and excessive pressure on the toothbrush can lead to abrasion of the enamel and the appearance of defects on it. Seek help from a hygienist and he will teach you the correct technique for brushing your teeth. This is an excellent prevention of caries and other diseases of the oral cavity.

How to brush your teeth properly

It is very important to brush your teeth properly at any age, as health directly depends on high-quality and regular oral hygiene. Therefore, dentists teach the correct technique of brushing both adults and children, because the child must form a habit.

What is the correct angle to hold the brush? Where should you start? What movements are needed for the incisors, and which ones for the chewing teeth? The hygienist knows the answers to all these questions, therefore, in order to avoid mistakes, be sure to visit this specialist. He will give individual recommendations, taking into account the characteristics of your dental system, and will clearly demonstrate everything.

However, there are a few requirements that everyone can adhere to:

• use a new brush every 3 months
• change toothpaste regularly
• do not use a hard brush
• do not brush your teeth for more than 3 minutes
• brush your teeth twice a day

At the same time, for home hygiene, it is recommended to use not only a toothbrush and paste, but also floss (dental floss) and an irrigator. They will help make oral and dental care more thorough, and prevention more effective.

Dentists and hygienists at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry will teach you and your children the correct technique for brushing your teeth. Our specialists will conduct an examination, tell you everything about the features of your dentition, show what you need to pay special attention to, and also give recommendations on oral care.

Forget your fears. The Center of Modern Dentistry guarantees only calmness and pleasant emotions! Come to us and treat your teeth with pleasure.

Make an appointment

Bedtime Oral Care Rules – Health Articles

You should take care of your oral cavity not only in the morning, but also in the evening. Why brush your teeth before bed? Everything is simple!

During the day, microorganisms accumulate in large numbers in the mouth. At night, they begin to actively multiply, which stimulates the development of caries. In addition, if you use fluoride pastes, they manage to provide protection from dangerous effects and strengthen your teeth overnight. It is also important that oral hygiene before going to bed helps to avoid the appearance of bad breath.

How to conduct it correctly? What means would you like to use? Consider all the subtleties of the procedure.

How to properly brush your teeth before going to bed?

How much time to spend on the procedure?

It is believed that hygiene should be given at least 2 minutes. However, it is advisable to consult a dentist. He can take into account a number of individual factors that determine the cleaning time. These include the condition of both teeth and gums, and the oral mucosa. The presence and condition of fillings, crowns and prostheses are also taken into account.

How to carry out the procedure?

The brush should be held at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the surface of the tooth. Movement should be started from the gum to the upper part of each element. Actions will be sweeping. Do not apply too much pressure on the brush, as this can damage the enamel. After oral hygiene before bedtime using toothpaste, it is advisable to additionally use floss (thread) and rinse aid.

Important! It is necessary to clean not only the outer, but also the inner surface.

What to use for oral care before bed?

Quality brush

The ideal product for most people is a medium hard brush. It does not injure enamel and gums, but at the same time provides high-quality hygiene. For braces, it is better to use brushes with harder bristles and special brushes. The same products are suitable for the hygiene of plates and prostheses.

When choosing a toothbrush, it is important to pay attention to the shape of its head. Buying too large products is undesirable. Usually they cannot penetrate into the far corners of the mouth. Too small products increase the time of hygiene procedures. Brushes that can grip 2 teeth at the same time are considered ideal.

Some modern models are complemented by silicone ribs on the back. Such products additionally allow you to clean the tongue. It also accumulates a large number of bacteria. If you do not remove them before going to bed, they will multiply and provoke the development of caries and its complications.

Quality toothpaste

Such a tool is able to simultaneously solve 3 tasks. This:

1. Plaque dissolver
2. Tooth polishing
3. Breath freshening

Compositions are also produced that can fluoride enamel, whiten it, and strengthen it. There are also means for nutrition, and even treatment. When choosing a paste, it is advisable to consult a dentist. He can choose the composition that is right for you and will successfully cope with all the tasks. At the same time, an individually selected toothpaste will definitely not cause harm.

Important! You should not focus solely on the cost of the product. Both budget funds are produced, which have a simple but safe composition, as well as expensive ones, the ingredients of which can harm you.

rinse aid

Rinsing is an additional way to ensure oral hygiene before bed. It does not replace a full cleaning. In addition, it is important to remember that some products can cause allergic reactions and even damage the enamel. If desired, you can rinse your teeth with plain water. If you want to provide additional care, please consult your dentist. He will tell you if you need rinse aid and why. Also, the doctor will select the remedy that is right for you.

Floss or irrigator

Dental floss or a special device provide high-quality mechanical cleaning of the interdental spaces. Additional tools can remove food debris and eliminate bacteria that have accumulated during the day. Both the floss and the irrigator ensure that dirt is removed where a toothbrush simply cannot reach.

We hope you understand why you need to brush your teeth before bed and what to use to ensure oral hygiene.

Important! Even the highest quality home care does not provide 100% removal of plaque and dangerous bacteria. Therefore, it is important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning. It is she who is the best tool for the prevention of a wide range of diseases of the oral cavity.

In addition, after professional cleaning, even the earliest signs of caries and other pathologies are clearly visible. This prevents their further development. If necessary, the doctor will immediately take action. They will keep your teeth healthy for a long time.