Brushing your teeth before bed is more than just a routine—it’s a crucial step in maintaining oral health. Numerous studies have shown that cleaning your teeth before sleeping offers various benefits, especially in preventing plaque buildup, tartar formation, and gum disease.
The Role of Brushing in Oral Health
During sleep, the production of saliva naturally decreases. Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining the pH balance in the mouth and protecting the teeth from bacteria that cause tooth decay. Brushing before bed helps reduce the risk of cavities and bad breath.
According to research conducted by Novi Puspitasari, a student at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), under the supervision of drg. Nunuk Purwanti, M.Kes., Ph.D. and Dr. drg. Retno Ardhani, M.Sc., the bristle stiffness of a toothbrush can affect saliva production in the oral cavity. Therefore, choosing the right toothbrush is an important factor in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Preventing Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Food debris and bacteria that accumulate on the teeth throughout the day can form plaque. If not cleaned off before bed, this plaque can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed simply by brushing.
Keeping Your Breath Fresh
Bacteria that grow in the mouth during sleep can cause bad breath. Brushing your teeth before bed helps eliminate these odor-causing bacteria and keeps your breath fresh when you wake up.
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Brushing your teeth before bed is not just a good habit—it’s an essential part of optimal dental care. Choosing the right toothbrush is also important to ensure it doesn’t interfere with saliva production and to help maintain healthy gums. By making this a regular habit, you can reduce the risk of various oral health problems and enjoy a healthier smile.
References
Novi Puspitasari , drg. Nunuk Purwanti, M.Kes., Ph.D., Dr. drg. Retno Ardhani, M.Sc., The Effect of Toothbrush Bristle Stiffness on Saliva Flow, https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/180724
Penulis: Rizky. B Hendrawan | Foto: Freepik
