Too tired to touch a toothbrush. We’ve all been there.
David A. Rice, DDS in Elgin and Dr. David Rice are committed to helping patients throughout the Wayne, Bartlett IL, and South Elgin neighborhoods to maintain balanced hygiene and to correct imperfections that can lead to inhibited confidence and self-assurance.
On our blog today we are offering two fabulously wise ideas for overcoming exhaustion in favor of brushing and flossing late at night.
Idea #1 Drag Tongue Along Teeth
After a long thankless day as you are lying there in bed and realize you forgot to brush, drag your tongue over your teeth a few times while mentally reviewing how plaque and tartar form. Within 48 hours they can start the dirty work of eating away at the teeth. Then jump up and give your mouth just 2 minutes of gentle, thorough cleaning. It’s that manageable.
Idea #2 Scrutinize the Food You Eat
Another convenient and manageable approach is to pay attention to what’s going into your mouth throughout the day. The higher the sugar content the sooner the teeth will need a brushing to avoid harm. Swish with water after coffee, tea or soda if brushing isn’t going to happen soon. Chewing sticky candy leaves debris all over in the mouth as does bread and crackers. Keep this in mind and commit to take care of the particles as soon as possible.
Shredded meat can remain lodged between teeth for days if you don’t pull it out with floss. Plan to floss or brush after eating if possible. With each particular type of food, learn to assess the effect it could have on your smile. Make the decision to brush before you are tired. By simply visualizing and committing, you reduce the likelihood of hemming and hawing later when you’re yawning and fading and have to choose between settling into bed and spending 2 minutes cleaning your teeth.
We know a long day of work or play can yield a worn out body. Likewise, we know consistent brushing will curtail buildup and help prevent decay and gum disease. And we know that sometimes cavities need filling, chipped teeth need fixing, crooked teeth need straightening, and wisdom teeth need extraction.
Some smile problems can be prevented and some just can’t. We are happy to help with porcelain veneers, restorative dentistry, sedation dentistry, general dentistry, or dentures. Come see our comfortable office at 1972 Larkin Ave Ste 1 in Elgin, Illinois 60123 and we’ll help with any dental dilemmas we can.
Cosmetic dentistry enhances a smile in several ways – straightness, coloration, conformity, and natural feel. Cosmetic dentistry helps our valued patients talk clearly, smile freely, and eat comfortably. A consultation with Dr. Rice can open your eyes to the unique possibilities for your beautiful smile. Contact us at 847-741-2353 for an appointment or visit our website.
If we each do our part to keep our smile healthy and beautiful, then all of us can sleep at night.
Contact David A. Rice, DDS:
847-741-2353
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1972 Larkin Ave Ste 1
Elgin, Illinois
60123