We all know we’re supposed to brush, floss, and rinse at least twice a day, and ideally after every meal, in order to clear away stuck-on food and bacteria that can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, and eventually more serious concerns like gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. So long as you brush a certain number of times daily, however, you might wonder how important it really is to brush at specific times.
Does it really matter if you brush your teeth before you go to bed? What’s the harm if you just forego brushing and hit the hay when you’re extra tired? Can’t you just make it up by brushing in the morning when you’re alert and energized? Is it really so important to attend to your teeth before you get your zees? Here’s what you need to know.
Bacteria Byproducts
Do you know how tartar and plaque are made? It’s probably going to gross you out. When you eat food, the bacteria that live in your mouth get to eat, as well, from the leftover particles stuck on teeth and soft tissue. These bacteria then produce waste products that form a sticky film on your teeth (plaque) that can harden and become tartar.
Plaque and tartar attack tooth enamel and can lead to infections that further compromise oral health. Plus, once tartar forms, your dentist has to work extra hard to scrape it away – you can’t do it on your own. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and brushing before you go to bed clears away plaque and helps to prevent the buildup of tartar.
Slowed Saliva
Saliva is designed to flush away food and bacteria, but when you sleep, saliva production slows. If your teeth, tongue, and other mouth surfaces are clean, this is no big deal, but if food and bacteria remain, they can do some real damage while you sleep.
Easy Remedies
Whether your disinclination to brush before bed has to do with the long hours you work or simple laziness, there are ways to make this task quick, easy, and convenient. If standing in front of the mirror to brush, floss, and rinse takes too long when you’re ready to Rip Van Winkle it at night, keep a toothbrush and/or flossing stick on the nightstand for a quick once-over. Hey, it’s better than nothing. Just don’t make a habit of it, and make sure to rinse your tools in the morning.
