Sleep is an important process for the health of the body and mind. Lack of sleep or deprivation can make a person feel constantly tired, leading to various personal, social, and long-term health issues. However, there is a surprising factor that can affect sleep quality: toothpaste. An American dentist, citing a 2013 study, revealed that mint-flavored toothpaste may disrupt sleep because it acts as a stimulant that keeps you alert and enhances memory and responsiveness. Chris Winter told Sleep.com that mint "can have negative effects on your sleep, as it is known to increase dopamine," explaining that "when dopamine is released in the brain, it enhances alertness, which is the exact opposite of what you intend before sleeping, disrupting a calm routine."
Since the mint flavors in toothpaste stimulate the brain, you may find it difficult to sleep, especially if you brushed your teeth right before bed. Mint works in a manner similar to blue light, which is high-energy visible light emitted by mobile phones and televisions. Many experts recommend avoiding phone use before bedtime, as the blue light from devices easily passes through your eyes to signal to the brain that it is time to be awake. The strong flavor and scent of mint toothpaste do something similar; therefore, if you find it hard to sleep, it may be time to switch your toothpaste.
Experts suggest brushing your teeth an hour or more before going to bed to allow the strong mint flavor to dissipate so it doesn't keep you awake. Another solution is to replace mint toothpaste with one that has a different, more soothing flavor, such as ginger, cinnamon, or lavender.
