Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
We’ve all been there on occasion when we forget to brush our teeth before bed, or maybe stayed up too late binging on Netflix and suddenly too tired to muster the energy to brush our teeth before hitting the sack. But,for some people, brushing their teeth before bed does not rank high on their priority list.
While you may think that skipping this important dental hygiene step isn’t a big deal, it actually is, and your family dentists in Bloomsburg at Hamilton Dental Care want you to know why you’ll want to make it a point to remember this important step every night.
I brush my teeth first thing in the morning, so is it really a big deal if I skip brushing before bed?
Yes, skipping out on brushing your teeth before bed means that breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and anything that you drank will linger on your teeth all night, or day for those third-shifters, while you sleep. Bacteria that naturally reside in our mouths thrive off of the foods that we eat. In fact, sugar and anything loaded with carbohydrates fuel these bacteria even more. As the bacteria break down these particles, they secrete acid that erodes dental enamel. Over time, the acid secreted by the bacteria corrodes your teeth, which is the culprit of tooth decay and gum disease.
Why is this a big deal?
Well, for starters, tooth decay or a cavity is an active infection in your tooth. Plus, if you aren’t cleaning between your teeth by flossing daily, that corrosion settles around your gum line, which increases your risk of gingivitis – the first stage of gum disease that presents as red, inflamed gums that are tender and bleed easily. Left untreated, gingivitis can quickly advance to periodontitis or gum disease, at which point irreversible damage has been done to your teeth, gums, and jaw bones. Even worse is that gum disease has been known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke with inflammation being the common denominator,according to an article published by Harvard Medical School.
How can I protect myself?
Easy, make sure that you brush and floss your teeth before bed. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone brush their teeth twice a day, which means at least brush your teeth morning and night. If you’re able, brush after lunch, but even chewing sugar-free gum that contains xylitol after a meal can help remove buildup from your teeth, as well as decrease your risk of tooth decay. This could be done throughout the day when you don’t have your toothbrush handy.
Another important commitment you can make is to follow through with your twice-yearly dental checkups and cleanings, which can conveniently be scheduled with us at Hamilton Dental Care by calling (570)387-0533 or contact us.
At Hamilton Dental Care, we offer a full suite of services for preventive care, as well as a variety of services for your general and cosmetic dental needs. We welcome patients of all ages from the areas of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg.
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