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An oral nighttime routine may sound like a bit of an overkill, but it’s actually one of the best ways to keep your teeth in tip-top shape while you sleep. With the right combination of steps and products, you can reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and sensitivity while giving your mouth the rest it needs to regenerate overnight—and you don’t even have to leave your bed. Here’s what an oral nighttime routine should include. 

Brush with an electric toothbrush 

Electric toothbrushes are much more effective at removing plaque and bacteria than manual toothbrushes. Plus, they’re just plain fun to use. Through general dentistry information you can know that you should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your brush head and brush for two minutes, making sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth. Spit the suds into the sink and rinse your mouth with water. Finish up by brushing your tongue with the toothbrush bristles so you can get in those hard-to-reach places. When you finish brushing, put your toothbrush in an upright position (not touching anything) or inside a cup filled with water to keep it from drying out. Once you’ve brushed for two minutes twice a day for three weeks, you’ll be able to feel the difference in your mouth. 

Use a non-abrasive toothpaste 

A non-abrasive toothpaste is crucial for keeping your teeth healthy and strong. When choosing a toothpaste, look for one that has the American Dental Association’s (ADA) stamp of approval. This means that the toothpaste has been tested and proven to be effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, and floss daily to remove any food particles or plaque that may have been missed by your toothbrush. In addition, try rinsing with water after brushing if you find it difficult to reach certain areas in your mouth. 

Gently brush your tongue 

Start by gently brushing your tongue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper to avoid irritating your taste buds. Start at the back of your tongue and brush forward. Rinse your mouth with water after you’re done brushing. Swish around for about 30 seconds before spitting it out into the sink. Gargle some warm salt water and then spit it out as well, in order to get rid of food particles left on your teeth from dinner that might cause an infection if they were left on there overnight.  

Avoid acidic beverages at night 

You might love to relax with a glass of wine or a slice of citrusy cake before bed, but your teeth don’t feel the same way. Acidic beverages can soften tooth enamel, making your pearly whites more susceptible to cavities. So if you want to keep your smile healthy and sparkling, it’s best to avoid acidic drinks at night.  

Rinse with fluoride mouthwash before bedtime 

Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash before bedtime is important for two reasons. First, it helps remove any plaque or food particles that may be lingering on your teeth. Second, it helps replenish the fluoride in your mouth, which can help prevent cavities. 

Get some sleep  

A good night’s sleep is important for overall health, and that includes oral health. When you sleep, your mouth goes into repair mode and produces saliva, which helps to cleanse your teeth and gums. Plus, research shows that people who get enough sleep have a lower risk of gum disease.