You know that you should brush your teeth before bedtime – and you should floss if you haven’t already – but do you know about some potential oral health hazards to avoid during this time of night? While it may be obvious that chomping on candy as you doze off is certainly a bad plan, there are some less apparent details you may wish to consider, so you make the most of your nightly hygiene.

#1: Drink Caffeine

In general, drinking caffeine isn’t a good idea before bed because it can mess with your sleep cycle. In addition, this can be quite challenging for your oral health if you suffer from bruxism – a habitual problem that includes teeth grinding or clenching. Skip the caffeine before bed (and limit it throughout the daytime), to help limit your bruxism.

#2: Drink Beverages That Aren’t Water

No matter what, any beverage other than water presents a potential hazard to your oral health. Drinks are either filled with sugar, are acidic, or cause staining. Water, fortunately, is completely safe. As a result, stick to water before bed if you are thirsty to protect your smile.

#3: Take Relaxants

This one tends to confuse patients – rest assured, it’s not a blanket suggestion for all patients. However, if you find that you struggle with snoring or if you are suffering from sleep apnea, any type of relaxant (from a sleeping pill to alcohol) can relax your muscles. This, unfortunately, can over-relax your throat muscles, resulting in partially or completely blocked airways. Speak with us about options for improved nightly breathing – and about alternatives for relaxation.