Many patients think that their teeth and mouth are safe during the night because they are not eating or doing any activities that could danger their mouth. However, much can happen in your mouth while you sleep. In fact, in the hours while patients are in deep asleep, bacteria are still collecting on your teeth, jaws could be clenching, your mouth could be drying out, or grinding could also be happening.
But before you start to get worried about the health of your mouth, the staff at the Advanced Dental Center of Florence want to share some simple tips for better oral health while you sleep.
1. Always brush your teeth before going to bed. This helps protect teeth from plaque buildup, and prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other dangerous oral diseases.
2. Learn how to and utilize proper brushing techniques. This means brushing for at least two minutes, with back and forth in short strokes. Patients should brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces and then the chewing surfaces.
3. Try to use an electric toothbrush if possible. Dental studies show that electric toothbrushes remove plaque from your teeth better than a regular toothbrush and create less damage to gums. Many electric tooth brushes also have automatic timers to help patients know exactly when two full minutes have passed.
4. Be sure to floss daily too. Flossing between your teeth removes food particles and plaque buildup that brushing alone can miss. If this debris stays on the teeth, bacteria can multiple during the night while you are sleeping and create a whole host of problems.
5. Use a fluoride mouth rinse. Mouthwash contains ingredients that strengthen teeth and help treat certain oral health conditions. Rinsing with mouthwash before bed helps decrease plaque, cavities and gingivitis.
6. Check with your dentist for signs of tooth grinding. If you are experiencing worn tooth enamel, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, headaches, ear aches or torn cheek tissue, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. A mouth guard is the most practical way to prevent further damage from tooth grinding.
7. Do not consume sugar filled or high carbohydrate foods before going to bed. Acids from sugar filled foods can sit on teeth for hours after consumption. Additionally, if patients right after consuming sweets, the abrasive nature of tooth cleaning products can combine with the acids of sugary foods to wear away tooth enamel more quickly. So cut back on those sweets at least an hour before brushing and be sure to rinse the mouth out with water or milk after eating to wash away the food particles. Better yet, avoid these foods altogether!
8. See your dentist regularly. Many patients only see their dentist for problems. However, it is important to see your dentist to help you keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. Dental professionals can help prevent serious dental health issues and spot problems that may require additional care. Seeing your dentist can also fix small problems before they become large ones!
Come See The Dental Professionals At Advanced Dental Center Of Florence
The staff at Advanced Dental Center of Florence want patients in Florence, SC to know that they do not just provide friendly service, they also provide exceptional denture services. Dentures are just one of the wonderful options that our doctors provides for our valued patients with missing or damaged teeth. Dentures are convenient, help restore ability to eat and are a cost-effective option for replacing missing teeth! Want to know more about the process, the benefits or financing options for dentures? Come see us today, or check out the rest of our dentures website for more information. Your no-obligation dentures consultation with Advanced Dental Center of Florence is just a phone call away.