1. Tariq Drabu Recommends a Night Time Oral Health Routine to Improve your
Teeth and Gums
Good oral hygiene routines are essential for everyone at any age. Night time is the
most important time to do a good oral health routine, ensuring that you have healthy
teeth and gums, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and more.
There are four factors you need to consider when it comes to your night time oral
health routine. Bear in mind that as you sleep your teeth gather bacteria which can
cause tooth and gum problems. Following a strict routine just before bed and once
during the course of the day can ensure good oral health each and every day.
The first step is to brush your teeth right before you go to bed. You should brush for
two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Ensure you brush properly using short strokes
and using the tip of the toothbrush for the harder to reach back teeth. Don’t skip
brushing, this is essential to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, leaving
your teeth squeaky clean as you sleep, reducing the risk of bacteria damaging your
teeth and gums.
You may want to consider investing in an electric toothbrush, especially if you suffer
with arthritis or other conditions which can make holding and managing a tooth brush
difficult. Electric toothbrushes offer a rotation or oscillating action, which can
effectively remove plaque. Ensure when choosing your electric toothbrush that you
can hold it easily and reach all your teeth with minimal effort.
Flossing is a very important part of your oral health routine and I recommend that
flossing before bed is the best time to ensure all food and plaque is removed from
between the teeth and harder to reach areas that you missed with your tooth brush.
Most people only floss once a day, but if you have a gum disease, then I recommend
flossing twice daily to ensure the best results.
You can use a mouth wash. There are a number of mouthwashes on the market. I
recommend you speak to your dentist to discuss the best options. A therapeutic
mouthwash may be the best choice to ensure good oral health as you sleep and
reduce the risk of tooth decay, plaque build-up or gum disease.
The final step to a good night time oral health routine is to check your gums and
teeth as you go about your routine. Ensure you if you experience any sensitivity or
your gums start bleeding when you brush that you make an appointment with your
dentist for as soon as possible.