The shortest distance between two spots is a straight line. The straight line to a healthy mouth is strong oral hygiene. Strong oral hygiene includes a daily routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day, drinking plenty of water, making healthy food and drink choices, and visiting your dentist at least every six months for both an exam and a cleaning. While not every problem that may arise in your oral health can be prevented by a good oral hygiene routine, many can. A good bedtime routine is an essential part of any good oral hygiene regimen.
The Importance of a Bedtime Routine
When you are sleeping, your body slows down on saliva production to prevent choking and unnecessary production. This lack of saliva makes your mouth a dry desert-like cave. A dry mouth is a hotbed for bacteria to reproduce. Any leftover food or drink particles in your mouth become a feast for bacteria to feed on and multiply. Bacteria in your mouth leads to both tooth decay and gum disease.
The Last Thing To Touch Your Teeth
Water, a toothbrush, or floss should be the last things to touch your teeth. Even cough syrup contains ingredients that can stick to your teeth (after all, it is designed to coat your throat!) and gums to cause problems. If you cannot resist the midnight snack, be sure to brush afterward. Drinking water is fine, but any other beverage should be washed away.
Make It Fun
If you have children, get them into good habits early. Make brushing or flossing fun by creating a fun ritual out of it. Let them help pick out their toothbrush or toothpaste, so that they look forward to using it. Some toothbrushes for kids are designed with lights and timers to help children keep brushing for the full recommended two minutes. If you have no children, there are apps that can time your brushing while giving you fun facts or playing music. Whatever you need to do to keep a disciplined routine, do it. Do it for the sake of your health.
A good bedtime routine can keep your mouth healthy
Strong oral hygiene is the best defense against oral health issues. To schedule a consultation with Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.