The Blunt Truth About Why You Need to Brush Before Going to Bed Each Night

Posted on 12/16/2024 by Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center

Black mother and daughter smiling during night time teeth brushing routine before dental appointment at Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center in Livermore, CA

We all know that brushing our teeth is important. It's drilled into us from a young age, and most of us follow this advice diligently. But did you know that brushing your teeth before bed is actually even more important than brushing them in the morning?

Let's be honest: brushing your teeth first thing in the morning feels refreshing. It washes away any lingering taste or odor from the night before, leaving you feeling clean and ready to start your day. But from an oral care perspective, brushing before bed is the real MVP.

Here's why:

Plaque Build-Up: Throughout the day, we eat and drink, and tiny particles of food get stuck in our teeth. This creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which, if left unchecked, can form a sticky film called plaque. Plaque is the primary culprit behind tooth decay and gum disease.

While plaque constantly forms, saliva naturally helps wash it away. However, during sleep, saliva production slows down significantly. This means that the plaque buildup on your teeth has eight uninterrupted hours to wreak havoc.

Brushing Before Bed: Your Defense Against Plaque: Brushing your teeth before bed removes this plaque buildup, preventing it from solidifying and causing damage. Think of it as giving your teeth a protective shield against the bacteria that thrive in the darkness.

Additional benefits of brushing before bed:

•	Fresher breath: Waking up with minty-fresh breath is a bonus, but more importantly, regular nighttime brushing helps prevent bad breath by reducing bacteria buildup.
•	Reduced staining: Food particles and pigments can stain your teeth over time. Brushing before bed removes these particles, helping to maintain your pearly whites.
•	Better sleep: Studies have shown that good oral hygiene can actually improve your sleep quality. This is because good oral care reduces inflammation in the mouth, which can contribute to better overall health and restful sleep.

Restoration Dentistry: While brushing before bed is crucial for preventing future problems, it's also important to address existing issues. If you're already dealing with cavities or gum disease, consistent nighttime brushing becomes even more critical. Brushing helps to control the bacteria that are causing these issues and can even prevent further damage.

Making Brushing Before Bed a Habit:

We know, we know. Sometimes, after a long day, the last thing you want to do is brush your teeth. But trust us, it's worth the two minutes it takes. You can make it easier by incorporating brushing into your bedtime routine. Brush your teeth right after washing your face or putting on your pajamas. You can even set a reminder on your phone.

Remember, brushing before bed isn't just about keeping your breath fresh or looking good. It's about protecting your oral health and preventing serious problems down the road. So next time you're tempted to skip brushing before bed, think of it as an investment in your future smile and well-being.

Board certified in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery

The surgical specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to six additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training beyond dental school.

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Phone: 925-290-7727 Fax: 925-294-8800
Email: info@pacificofs.com

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Phone: 209-835-4600 • Fax: 209-835-8833
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