SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA
Since you were a child, people have been telling you how important it is to brush your teeth every day. So it might surprise you to know that, according to a recent study, 23 percent of Americans replied they had gone two or more days without brushing their teeth. For adults between the ages of 18 and 24, that number increased to 37 percent. This same study also found that 70 percent of Americans brush their teeth twice a day: typically once before bedtime and once when they wake up. That means 30 percent of people don’t brush their teeth before bed. At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we’re concerned that an even higher percentage isn’t caring for their teeth.
We know that accidents happen, people forget things, and your personal health can take a backseat. However, you can’t afford to neglect your oral hygiene—especially at nighttime. That’s why your Scotts Valley family dentists Drs. Max and Ariana Ebrahimian came up with this list of three things you must do before bed to maintain good dental health.
The Big Three
You’ve heard of three key components to a good regimen of dental care: brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. This isn’t just a cliché. Following this routine is medically proven to be the most effective way to keep your mouth healthy. That’s why you should do all three of these things as part of your bedtime routine.
Why brush before bed?
The benefits of brushing your teeth are greater than any other aspect of oral hygiene. When it comes to dental care, nothing outweighs the importance of regular brushings. When you brush your teeth at night, you scrub away any food particles and bacteria that otherwise become fuel for plaque and tooth decay. Meanwhile, while you sleep, your body produces less saliva, drying out your mouth. A dry mouth becomes a hotbed for rapid bacterial development. Bacteria in your mouth also releases sulfur compounds, the culprit behind morning breath. Also, brushing before bed helps to keep your mouth moist and lowers bacteria rates.
Swish, Swish, Rinse
Using an antiseptic mouthwash containing fluoride, especially at night, helps with a variety of dental issues. Mouthwash limits bad breath, bacterial development, and the build-up plaque that causes cavities and gum disease. Make sure you’re only using an antibacterial mouthwash. Certain mouthwashes also promise therapeutic qualities. Your Los Gatos general dentists can evaluate your mouth and then determine the best mouthwash for you.
Using Dental Floss
Comprehensive and complete dental care involves flossing, which is the only way you can clean between your teeth. These are places you cannot reach with your toothbrush. Flossing is equivalent to brushing between your teeth. Be sure to floss the right way, which is by scrapping the floss along the sides of each tooth, and avoid popping the floss as it is ineffective and could injure your gums. When you come to Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry for a cleaning, one of our courteous and experienced dental hygienists can show you proper flossing techniques.
Dental Care in Scotts Valley
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we want to do our part to give you a lifetime of good oral health. At your next check-up, we can make sure your nighttime oral hygiene routine is providing you with the best results. Have you been neglecting your regularly scheduled dental appointments? Get back on track! Make your appointment today by calling (831) 438-4411 if you’re located in the areas of Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz in California.
