Brushing our teeth is an everyday activity that most people don’t give much thought about. However, did you know that the way you brush your teeth and the environment in which you do it can impact the overall health of your mouth and body?.

One of the popular myths that have been circulating for years is the belief that brushing your teeth in the dark can have benefits.

In this article, we will explore the science behind brushing your teeth in the dark, and whether there are any advantages to doing it.

The Benefits of Brushing Your Teeth Regularly

Before we delve into the concept of brushing your teeth in the dark, let’s first consider why brushing your teeth is important. Our mouths are filled with bacteria and it continually grows and develops, leading to plaque accumulation and cavities.

Brushing your teeth regularly helps to keep bacteria and plaque under control, preventing bad breath and tooth decay. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes to ensure that all surfaces of your teeth are cleaned.

The Importance of Lighting When Brushing Your Teeth

Natural or artificial light is the essential factor in helping you to see what you are doing when brushing. Toothpaste has a foaming ability that is activated when you brush your teeth.

This creates a white foam that makes it easier to see the areas that you have and haven’t brushed. Without proper visibility, it might be challenging to see the problem areas where bacteria is likely to remain.

Brushing your teeth in the dark can lead to mistakes and issues that may lead to trouble later. For instance, if the toothpaste falls off your toothbrush and onto the countertop, it is easier to miss spots and leave residue on the teeth.

By having adequate light, you can notice what you are spitting out when rinsing and take the necessary steps for proper cleanup.

The Circadian Rhythm in Relation to Brushing Teeth

Scientists suggest that our body works on a biological clock called the circadian rhythm. We have various body clocks that regulate natural processes in our body to support physical wellbeing.

The circadian rhythm affects a variety of things including heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

So where does brushing your teeth in the dark come in? Well, proper lighting not only aids visibility, but it also helps to provide the needed stimulation for the body’s natural functioning.

Turning off the lights before bed helps signal the brain and body to start the process of relaxation so that the body can have quality sleep. This leads to better overall health and proper brain functioning. So, the idea here is to avoid bright light and stimulation before bedtime, not to wake up the body and counteract its natural relaxation process.

Should You Brush Your Teeth in the Dark or With Proper Light?

The simple and straightforward answer is, no, you shouldn’t brush your teeth in the dark. Proper lighting can help with adequate visibility and lead to a thorough cleaning.

Plus, the brain needs to be reset before heading to bed to promote better sleep. At the same time, exposing yourself to bright or too much blue light, which is commonly associated with phone or laptop screens, could trigger parts of the brain and inhibiting the relaxation process.

So, brushing your teeth with the correct lighting before bed can help promote a healthier body and mind.

The Bottom Line

While brushing your teeth in the dark may sound intriguing, the benefits that come with proper lighting far outweigh brushing in darkness.

Without proper visual aids, it may be challenging to clean hard to reach spots, and your body may not be able to relax with excess stimulation. Besides, brushing your teeth with the correct lighting should only take two minutes, and the benefits of a clean mouth and better overall health far exceed any advantages of brushing in darkness.