Plenty of us take a relaxed approach to oral care, and flossing, brushing and rinsing with mouthwash can feel like a lot when all you want to do is climb into bed at the end of the night, or rush out the door to start the day. But letting those habits slide can raise the risk of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, an inflammatory infection that affects the gums and the bones that support your teeth. “The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, leading to various health problems,” says Fatima Khan, dentist and co-founder of oral care brand Riven, noting that these have been linked to pregnancy complications, an increased risk for stroke and heart disease, worsened blood sugar control, inflammatory bowel disease and obesity, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
If there’s one habit worth locking in for better gum health, Bianca Velayo, general dentist and multi-practice owner with PDS Health, says it’s brushing before bed. “During sleep, saliva production drops significantly and the mouth becomes more acidic, which creates the perfect environment for cavity-causing and gum disease-causing bacteria to thrive. Brushing and flossing before your longest stretch of sleep is critical.”
Brushing again in the morning matters just as much. “Bacteria accumulate constantly, and that morning brush helps disrupt the biofilm before it keeps building up throughout the day,” says Velayo. “At the end of the day, gum health is all about plaque control.” The more thoroughly we remove plaque between the teeth, the less inflammation, bleeding and long-term gum damage we experience.
If you’re looking to strengthen your routine, these expert-recommended products can help support healthier gums and in turn, your overall wellness.