Most of us know the importance of brushing our teeth before going to bed. If you have good oral health habits, it’s just part of your nightly routine. But even the best among us sometimes forgets or feels too exhausted. But neglecting your evening brush can substantially increase your chances of experiencing oral health complications.
We don’t just brush our teeth to remove food particles, though this is certainly part of the reason. The surfaces of our teeth contain bacteria, and brushing helps reduce, but not eliminate, their numbers. Failing to brush before bedtime allows oral bacteria to continue reproducing and secreting the acids that can destroy tooth enamel.
But eating first is even worse. That snack you have before bedtime doesn’t just feed your body. It also feeds all of those bacteria in your mouth. This gives them even more opportunities to acidify your saliva and degrade your teeth. Repeatedly going straight to bed after a snack, without brushing your teeth, can lead to serious oral health issues later on, like gum disease.
Visiting Pittsburgh dentists every six months for regular dental cleanings is an important part of a good oral hygiene regimen. Combined with twice daily brushing and flossing, you’ll be taking the right steps to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Please contact Dentonics, Inc., using the form at the right side of the page or call 412-487-6910 today to schedule your next appointment with our Pittsburgh dentist.
