The harmful effects of not brushing your teeth before going to bed

Not brushing your teeth twice within 24 hours will make you susceptible to dental problems, typically tooth decay.

For most people, brushing your teeth is a way to protect against cavities, while also providing a bright smile and fresh breath. However, we’ve all forgotten to brush our teeth before bed because we were lazy or too tired. So how exactly does this harm us?

Greatist quotes dentist and American Dental Association spokesperson Kimberly Harms as saying that brushing right before bed is actually less important than brushing twice within 24 hours. Plaque is created by bacteria that live in the mouth, which takes 24 hours to develop. These bacteria constantly produce acid, especially when you eat. Brushing twice a day will prevent acid from attacking tooth enamel and causing cavities. The longer plaque stays on your teeth, the more likely you are to see a dentist.

Also, it is better to brush your teeth after dinner and before bed than right before bed. The fluoride in the toothpaste will have more time to form a protective layer against acid, making your teeth stronger. Be careful not to brush your teeth right after a meal because that is when the acid level is high, softening the enamel surface. Rushing to brush your teeth will cause tooth erosion, so wait at least 30 minutes.

Dr. Harms adds that you don’t need to worry if you occasionally forget to brush your teeth before bed, because plaque and bacteria don’t cause cavities right away. The most important thing is to brush your teeth twice within 24 hours, for 2-4 minutes each time. Also, avoid snacking all day to limit acid-producing bacteria.

According to Gia dinh.net