Your Bedtime Teeth Routine: 6 Simple Habits Worth Getting Right

Most of us brush our teeth on autopilot at the end of the day, usually half-asleep and keen to get to bed. But your night-time routine is arguably the most important one, because your mouth is at its driest and quietest while you sleep. A few small tweaks can make a real difference, and none of them take more than a couple of extra minutes.

Here are six simple habits our team in Barlaston recommends for a better bedtime routine.

1. Make Brushing the Very Last Thing You Do

It is tempting to brush straight after dinner and then carry on snacking or sipping in front of the TV. Ideally, brushing should be the last thing your teeth see before bed, with nothing but water afterwards. That way, the fluoride from your toothpaste has the whole night to work, rather than being washed away by a late cup of tea or a biscuit.

Brush for around two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. If you would like a refresher on technique, our guide Are You Brushing Your Teeth Wrong? covers the common mistakes.

2. Spit, Don’t Rinse

This is the habit most people find surprising. After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste but try not to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash straight away. Rinsing washes away the concentrated fluoride left on your teeth, which is exactly what you want to keep there overnight.

What About Mouthwash?

If you like to use mouthwash, it is generally better to use it at a different time of day, such as after lunch, rather than straight after brushing at night. If you have been recommended a specific mouthwash, follow the advice you were given.

3. Clean Between Your Teeth

A toothbrush cannot reach everywhere, particularly the tight spaces between teeth. Evening is a good time to clean in between, whether you use floss, interdental brushes or another method you have been shown. If you are not sure which suits you, our post How Often Do You Really Floss? is a good starting point, and your hygienist can show you the right size and technique at your next visit.

4. Check Your Toothbrush

When did you last change your toothbrush? As a general rule, it is worth replacing it (or your electric brush head) every three months, or sooner if the bristles have started to splay or fan out. Worn bristles simply do not clean as well.

A handy trick is to tie it to the change of seasons, or set a reminder on your phone. If your bristles are wearing out much faster than that, you may be brushing a little too hard, which is worth mentioning at your next appointment.

5. Watch the Late-Night Snacks and Drinks

Saliva helps protect your teeth during the day, but your mouth produces much less of it while you sleep. That means sugary or acidic food and drinks taken after brushing can sit on your teeth for hours. If you do want something before bed, water is the kindest choice for your teeth.

A Note on Sugary Drinks by the Bed

Keeping a glass of squash, juice or a fizzy drink by the bed for night-time sips is a habit worth breaking. Swap it for plain water and your teeth will thank you.

6. Wear Your Night Guard If You Have One

If you have been given a night guard by your dentist, bedtime is when it does its job, so try to make putting it in part of the routine rather than an afterthought. Keep it clean and store it in its case during the day, and bring it along to your check-ups.

Not sure whether you clench or grind at night? Our recent article Do You Grind Your Teeth at Night? Signs to Look Out For explains what to look out for.

Putting It All Together

A good bedtime routine does not need to be complicated:

• Finish eating and drinking (apart from water)
• Clean between your teeth
• Brush for around two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
• Spit, don’t rinse
• Put in your night guard, if you have one

And every few months, check whether it is time for a new toothbrush.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy in Barlaston and Stoke-on-Trent

A good routine at home works best alongside regular check-ups and hygiene appointments, where any changes can be spotted early. Our hygiene team can also tailor advice to your mouth, from the right interdental brush size to the best way to clean around crowns, implants or aligners. You can read more in What Your Dental Hygienist Wants You To Know, or find out about our preventative care.

If you are looking for a private dentist near Stoke-on-Trent, The Riley Dental Studio in Barlaston is welcoming new patients. Find out more on our New Patients page or get in touch to book.