Is Skipping Bedtime Brushing Destroying Your Teeth? 

At our Cincinnati family practice, we often get this question: How bad is it if I occasionally skip brushing before bed?

The short answer is that when you brush is not quite as important as how often. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice (two minutes each time) in a 24-hour period. Bacteria constantly grow plaque in your mouth, and it takes 24 hours to mature. That’s why brushing before bed is crucial to minimizing plaque build-up and preventing tooth decay.

Bacteria Build Up Throughout the Day

The bacteria in your mouth produce acid throughout the day. Brushing twice daily helps to wipe the slate clean before any real damage occurs. Nighttime brushing also helps fight bad breath, something your coworkers and sweetie will appreciate the next day.

Nighttime is Snack Time for Bacteria

When you don’t sweep away the day’s bacteria, they’ll have all night to flourish. Sleep produces less salvia, so those pesky critters can feast on your teeth to their hearts’ delight without being washed away by your drool.

If you like to stay up until you’re naturally ready to crash, try brushing your teeth before watching that late-night movie or settling into your bedtime novel. Even if you end up having a snack, at least you’ll have kept to your brushing routine, which is better than skipping it altogether.

A Clean Bill of Health at Your Next Check-Up

Even when it seems like a chore to brush before bed, consider it a long-term investment in your oral health. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we want you to get the most out of your dental hygiene, which will result in a successful check-up the next time you get quality dental care at our office near Blue Ash!