The Role of Dental Hygiene in Good Sleep
Good sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle. A healthy mouth is equally important for proper sleep. Taking care of your teeth and gums will not only help achieve a sparkling smile, but can help you sleep better, too. Professional dental hygiene is one of the most important aspects of this.
Regular dental hygiene visits can help you maintain good dental health and help improve your sleep health. Dental hygiene involves the removal of plaque, bacteria, and tartar build-up, this helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other health issues that can arise from oral health problems. Not only do these treatments keep your teeth and gums healthy, but they can also help improve your sleep.
Your teeth need daily attention to stay healthy and at their best. During a dental checkup, your hygienist will recommend certain products to help reduce bacteria and keep teeth clean for a longer period. This includes proper brushing and flossing, and using special toothpaste to keep bacteria under control. Many people also benefit from using a tongue scraper after brushing or flossing as this helps prevent the build-up of bacteria on the surface of the tongue. Taking these steps can go a long way toward improving oral health and helping you get the restful sleep you need.
The Benefits of Dental Hygiene for Sleep
Beyond preventing gum and other kind of mouth disease, staying on top of your dental hygiene can also ensure that you are always ready for a good night’s sleep. Studies show that brushing, flossing regularly, and having regular dental checkups can help reduce the amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep. By reducing the amount of time you spend trying to catch a few winks, you can be sure that you will get the restful sleep you need for your general health and well-being.
Keeping up with your dental hygiene can also help reduce dry mouth and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. People suffering from dry mouth may also find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep as it can disrupt the secretion of saliva, which has an important job in keeping the mouth clean and healthy.
Home Care Practices for Good Sleep
A great way to keep on top of your dental hygiene and improve your sleep quality is by adding specific oral care practices into your daily routine. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a good start. However, for those dealing with plaque and tartar buildup, it is recommended to brush after every meal.If you are concerned about the amount of time this requires, you can use an interdental brush to quickly get the job done in between normal brushing.
Flossing is very important as it removes plaque and food particles in between the teeth and around the gumline. Use a floss threader to get food particles out of the crevices of teeth you can’t reach with regular flossing.
Lastly, use a tongue scraper after brushing or flossing. This helps to remove bacteria stuck on the tongue and freshens your breath. Not only does this help keep your teeth and gums healthy, it can also help improve your sleep quality.
Additional Tips for Good Sleep
- Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol close to bedtime
- Stay away from caffeinated beverages and sugary snacks
- Turn off all electronic devices, dim the lights, and relax the body with a calming activity to prepare the body for sleep
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on the weekends
Conclusion
By following a good dental hygiene routine and implementing these tips, you will be able to get a restful sleep every night. Improving your dental health will benefit your overall health and your ability to get a good night’s sleep.