Ever since moving to CA 6 years ago, I have yet to find a dentist office that makes you feel comfortable and at ease from start to finish until I visited Center Plaza Dentistry. From the front office staff to the hygienist to the doctor, everyone was extremely pleasant, kind, and patient. I’m not sure how I missed this place for so long and wished I had known about them when I first moved here. They are so welcoming and gentle that I’ve transferred the rest of my family over to CPD. Thank you so much, CPD, for your patience and care!

Your teeth work hard all day, chewing, biting, and helping you smile. But nighttime is when they’re most at risk. Saliva flow slows while you sleep, giving bacteria a better chance to attack enamel and gums. The good news? A strong nighttime routine can protect your smile while you rest. Here are five habits to add before bed.
1. Brush Before You Turn In
Brushing before bed is the single most important step you can take. It clears away the plaque, food particles, and sugars that bacteria would otherwise feed on overnight. Skipping this step leaves your teeth exposed to hours of acid attack while you sleep.
Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush for two full minutes, making sure to reach every surface—including along the gumline and the back molars. Think of it as tucking your teeth in for the night.
2. Floss to Reach the Hidden Spots
Even if you brush perfectly, food and plaque can still hide between teeth where bristles can’t reach. That’s why flossing before bed is essential. If you only floss once a day, make it part of your nighttime routine.
Slide the floss gently between teeth, curve it around each side in a “C” shape, and clean along the gumline. This habit not only prevents cavities between teeth but also keeps your gums healthy and strong.
3. Wear a Mouthguard for Extra Protection
Grind your teeth at night? If you do, you run the risk of damaging your smile. Avoid chips, cracks, and breaks by wearing a custom night guard.
Wearing one nightly will help you potentially avoid dental emergencies or restorative procedures. You’ll also wake up feeling refreshed and without jaw pain.
4. Skip Late-Night Snacks and Drinks
Midnight snacks may be tempting, but eating or drinking right before bed gives bacteria more fuel to work with. Sugary foods, acidic drinks, and even starchy snacks cling to teeth and feed decay overnight.
If you do need something, choose water or a small portion of a tooth-friendly snack, like cheese. Then be sure to brush before bed. The fewer sugars and acids left in your mouth, the safer your smile will be while you sleep.
5. Keep Water at Your Bedside
Dry mouth is more common at night, especially if you breathe through your mouth or take certain medications. A dry mouth creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Sipping water before bed—and keeping a glass nearby if you wake up thirsty—helps keep your mouth moist and supports saliva in protecting your teeth.
Nighttime may be when your smile is most vulnerable, but it’s also when your habits make the biggest difference. Brushing, flossing, rinsing, avoiding late-night snacks, and staying hydrated work together to protect your teeth and gums until morning. Make these steps part of your nightly routine, and you’ll wake up with a smile that’s not only refreshed but also healthier for the long run.
Call Center Plaza Dentistry at 562-344-5911 for an appointment in Los Alamitos, CA. You can also request an appointment online.