Morning Brushing and Nighttime Brushing – Why Both are Critical to Oral Health 


As a parent, we know schedules can get crazy when you’re raising busy, active kids, and sometimes, establishing morning and night routines may seem impossible. You may ask yourself, “Is it really important for my child to brush their teeth twice a day?” At Dentistry for Children Georgia, we’re here to reassure you the answer is “yes,” and to help you navigate the great benefits of brushing twice a day. 

Is it Better to Brush in the Morning or at Night? The Answer is Both! 

Brushing your teeth in both the morning and at night is important for healthy smiles! During the day and throughout the night, our mouths encounter different types of bacteria and produce saliva as a defense to fight the development of tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing at night and in the morning is crucial to optimal oral health as it aids in prevention of bacteria build-up. 

Brushing in the morning cleans off the bacteria that may have settled overnight, while incorporating teeth brushing into your nightly routine removes food particles and acid that your teeth may have encountered during the day.  

Benefits of Brushing Twice a Day 

There are many benefits to brushing twice a day, and they all lead to a happy, healthy smile. Below are a few ways brushing day and night can improve your child’s oral health.  

Prevents Tartar Build-Up 

Tartar is that stubborn substance that builds up on your teeth and is scraped off by your dental hygienist during your regular cleaning appointment. Developing a daily dental hygiene routine with your child will help prevent tartar build-up and impress their dental hygienist at their next visit. Brushing twice a day keeps bacteria, plaque, and tartar from building up and prevents the development of cavities and gum disease down the road.  

Prevents Bad Breath 

Have you ever wondered what causes bad breath? You guessed it – bacteria! Regularly brushing twice daily helps cut down on bad breath by fighting off bad bacteria. Having a regular, twice-daily brushing schedule will keep your child’s smile bright, healthy, and smelling fresh.  

Helps Keep Teeth Whiter 

Making twice-daily teeth brushing a regular habit fights stains from settling in and keeps your child’s smile even brighter! Pigments from the foods and drinks we consume throughout the day are absorbed into our teeth and can lead to staining. Our dentists recommend using a fluoridated toothpaste that contains ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda to help fight stains and cavities at the same time.  

Promotes Healthy Gums 

Clean teeth mean healthy gums! The same bacteria and acid that cause tooth decay also cause gum disease. When your child brushes twice a day, it keeps gums from becoming irritated and inflamed and removes the unwanted bacteria and acid that can result in gum disease.  

Still Have Questions? Contact Us Today! 

If you have any questions about the benefits of brushing twice a day or would like to schedule an appointment at one of our 22 convenient Atlanta-area offices, contact us today! Our talented, kid-focused team is here to help guide parents with best practices for their child’s dental health regimen and keep their smiles in great shape for life.

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