Most of us are accustomed to standing in front of the bathroom mirror, turning on the lights, and brushing our teeth. We barely even think about it anymore.

However, have you ever considered trying to do this task in the dark? It may sound challenging to you but trust me, it can be beneficial. In this post, we will explore why brushing your teeth in the dark is actually beneficial.

Improves Your Ability to Brush Your Teeth More Efficiently

Brushing your teeth in the dark can be a great way to maximize your toothbrushing efficiency. When the lights are turned off, your other senses are heightened, allowing you to pay closer attention to how you brush your teeth.

You become more aware of the brush strokes, ensuring you do not miss any areas of your mouth.

Encourages You to Brush Your Teeth Longer

Brushing your teeth in the dark can encourage you to brush your teeth for a more extended period. In a bright bathroom with no distractions, we tend to hurry through our toothbrushing routine.

However, in the dark, there are fewer distractions, which can help you to focus on the task at hand, and hence brush your teeth more thoroughly. Further, you are more aware of the time passed, making it easier to brush for the recommended two to three minutes.

Reduces Your Exposure to Blue Light

Blue light comes from the screens of our electronics, fluorescent lighting and is emitted by the sun.

Too much exposure to blue light can impair our health by interrupting our sleep cycle, increasing the risk of obesity and various other chronic diseases. Brushing your teeth with the bathroom lights off reduces the amount of blue light exposure we have before bed and prepares our bodies for restful sleep.

Contributes to More Restful Sleep

The habit of brushing your teeth in the dark can give you a better chance of getting a more restful sleep. By turning off the lights while you brush your teeth in the evening, you will help signal to your body that it is time to wind down for the night.

Exposure to bright light or blue light when we should be sleeping may result in poor sleep quality and inadequate rest.

Prevents Panic and Anxiety Feelings

People who have experienced panic attacks in the past know that one of the primary causes of these attacks is the triggering factors or stimuli in their environment.

Bright lights can be such triggers, and turning them off during teeth brushing can help to reduce the chances of triggering a panic attack. By brushing your teeth in the dark, you can prevent anxiety, panic, and other forms of mental discomfort caused by brightly lit bathrooms.

Makes Brushing Your Teeth More Fun

Brushing your teeth in the dark can be a fun and interesting way to break up the monotony of your morning or evening routine. You can focus on the sensation and texture of your toothpaste and the feeling of the bristles on your teeth.

The darkness could even inspire you to freestyle sing your favorite tunes, experiment with different dance moves, or share a laugh with your partner. Of course, this all depends on whether you brush your teeth alone or not.

Helps You Build a Healthier Habit

Brushing your teeth in the dark could be the nudge you need to develop a better oral hygiene habit. Beginning to brush without lights may only last for a few seconds.

However, gradually, it can become an automatic behavior, and before you know it, you are doing it regularly. Repeatedly doing something can strengthen new neural pathways in the brain that help form the habit, and very soon, you might miss the experience of brushing your teeth in the dark if you ever have to go back to the old way.

Conclusion

Brushing your teeth is a necessary part of daily hygiene, but it doesn’t have to be dull. Brushing your teeth in the dark can be an excellent way to break up the monotony of your daily routine while offering many unexpected benefits.

You can improve your toothbrushing efficiency, sleep better, and even reduce your exposure to blue light. Give it a try and see the benefits for yourself.