Your daily dental habits are important for your overall oral health. You should be brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, limiting your sugary food and beverage intake and regularly visiting your dentist, especially while undergoing orthodontic treatment. But did you know that you can also take care of your teeth at night? Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy while you sleep.
Avoid sugary foods and beverages before bed.
When it comes to taking care of your teeth, one of the most important things you can do is avoid eating sugary foods and drinking sugary beverages before bed. This is because sugar increases your risk of tooth decay, which can lead to cavities and other oral health problems. If you need a snack before bed, try something that is non-sugary, like almonds or an apple. If you’re looking for a nighttime beverage, stick to water or milk. By avoiding sugar before bed, you can help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.
Use a mouthguard.
Another way to care for your teeth while you sleep is by using a mouthguard. A mouthguard can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, which can lead to wear and tear on your teeth. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth at night, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard. Mouthguards are available in a variety of materials, including plastic and rubber, so you can find one that fits comfortably in your mouth. Once you have completed orthodontic treatment clear retainers can protect your teeth from wear in case you grind or clench at night so do not forget to wear your retainers every night.
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
One of the best ways to care for your teeth while you sleep is by maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine before bed. This includes brushing your teeth for two minutes and flossing regularly. By following a regular oral hygiene routine, you can reduce your risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems.
If you’re not sure how to brush your teeth correctly, the American Dental Association has a helpful guide on their website. And if you need help flossing, there are plenty of instructional videos online that can show you how to do it properly. If you have clear aligners, simply remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth. If you are unsure of how to floss your teeth with braces on, ask our team to show you the proper technique!
Clean your aligners before bed.
If you have Invisalign clear aligners or if you are in the passive retainer phase of treatment, remember to brush your teeth and rinse out your aligners after eating and before going to sleep. If you let your teeth sit in your aligners with food and sugar on them, plaque will begin to build up on the teeth and in the aligners causing decay.
Our team at Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg wants you to have sweet dreams and healthy teeth! By following these tips, you can keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free while you sleep.