How bad is it to not brush your teeth before sleeping?

Not brushing your teeth twice enough within 24 hours will make you more prone to dental problems that are typically cavities.

For most people, brushing your teeth is a way to protect your teeth from tooth decay and to bring a bright smile and fresh breath. However, we all forgot to brush our teeth before going to bed because we were lazy or too tired. So how is this particularly harmful?

Brush your teeth around after dinner and before going to bed better than brushing your teeth right before bed.(Photo: Greatist).

Greatist quoted dentist and American Dental Association spokesman Kimberly Harms as saying that brushing teeth right before bed is not as important as cleaning teeth twice in 24 hours. Plaque caused by bacteria living in the mouth requires 24 hours to develop. These bacteria constantly produce acid, especially when you eat. Brushing your teeth twice a day will prevent acid from attacking the enamel causing tooth decay. The longer the plaque stays on your teeth, the easier it is for you to go to the dentist.

Also, brush your teeth around after dinner and before bedtime better than brushing your teeth right before bed. Fluoride in toothpaste will have a lot of time to set up a protective layer from acid to make your teeth strong. Note not brushing 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 corrosion, so wait at least 30 minutes.

Dr. Harms adds, you don't need to worry if you sometimes forget to brush your teeth before going to bed because plaque and bacteria doesn't make you decay immediately.The most important thing is to clean your teeth 2 times within 24 hours, every 2-4 minutes. Also, do not snack all day to limit acid bacteria.