In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, oral hygiene sometimes takes a backseat, and we neglect what happens if you don’t brush your teeth. While it may seem like a mundane task, the consequences of not paying importance to self-care can be far-reaching, affecting our oral health and overall well-being.
If you ask someone why they brush their teeth, they may say to avoid cavities and keep their pearly whites clean. The risks associated with what happens if you don’t brush your teeth go beyond bad breath, tea and coffee stains. Prolonged poor dental hygiene adversely affects your health and longevity.
Keep reading to learn more about what happens if you don’t brush your teeth and how to maintain your oral hygiene routine.
4 Consequences of Not Brushing Your Teeth
If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, here are a few consequences you may have to face:
-
Cavities
Plaque formed from leftover food particles contains acid-producing bacteria that cause cavities if not checked on time. Cavities cause pain while eating and drinking and will compel you to go to a dentist for a filling.
If left untreated, cavities can cause infection in the tooth’s soft tissues or loss of the entire tooth.
-
Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene practices cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. Our mouth is an ideal breeding place for millions of harmful bacteria. They feed on leftover food particles on the teeth and generate sulfur compounds as a byproduct of digestion. When the bacteria break down the food particles, they produce a foul smell, leading to bad breath.
-
Gum Disease
Not brushing your teeth regularly can lead to gum disease. The most common form of gum disease is gingivitis, which causes bleeding and inflammation of your gums. It deteriorates your jawbone and results in tooth loss.
Thankfully, there are treatments available to restore your teeth. If you notice any symptoms that indicate gum disease, visit your dentist and discuss a treatment plan to get treatment for the same.
-
Tooth Loss
A major result of what happens if you don’t brush your teeth is a risk of tooth loss. If your natural teeth are lost due to negligence, replacing them is costly. Leaving the gaps left behind by your missing teeth is not an option either. If you don’t replace them soon, you will face more problems, like gum disease.
6 Health Problems Associated with Irregular Teeth Brushing
Poor oral health leads to tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, and bad breath. Ignoring to brush your teeth can also lead to other health problems that can take root in your body.
- Increased Risk of Heart Disease – Neglecting dental hygiene causes an increased risk of heart disease. When bacteria that cause gum disease enter the bloodstream and travel toward the heart, it causes inflammation and can lead to heart disease.
- Respiratory Infections – Poor oral health increases your risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia. Bacteria-causing gum disease that is inhaled into the lungs can lead to several respiratory infections.
- Diabetes – Neglecting dental hygiene when you have diabetes can lead to severe consequences. High blood sugar levels make gum disease worse, and in turn, gum disease poses challenges in controlling blood sugar levels.
- Dementia – Studies show there is a direct link between poor dental hygiene and an increased risk of dementia. When a bacteria-causing gum disease enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, it can cause inflammation and cognitive decline.
- Kidney Disease – Poor oral health increases your risk of kidney diseases. Gum-disease-causing bacteria can pose a potential threat to your kidneys.
What Does a Healthy Mouth Look Like?
A healthy mouth remains free from dental diseases such as gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. Some signs of a healthy mouth are:
- Pink and firm gums that don’t bleed while brushing and flossing.
- Clean teeth without plaque and tartar.
- Fresh breath and a pleasant taste.
- Absence of cavities or dark spots on the teeth.
- No pain or sensitivity while eating and drinking.
- A healthy amount of saliva that cleans away food particles and neutralizes acids in the mouth.
- A perfect bite and well-positioned teeth.
- A good amount of oral bacteria in the mouth to promote good oral health.
How to Improve Your Oral Health
Here are three simple steps to improve your oral health.
-
Regular Brushing & Flossing
Start your day by brushing your teeth and end it by removing all the buildup from your mouth. It is necessary to brush twice a day and floss at least once to remove bacteria and plaque that could lead to dental problems.
-
Have a Balanced Diet
The secret to healthy gums and teeth lies in your diet. You must have a balanced diet rich in healthy fruits and vegetables to maintain oral health.
-
Regular Checkups with the Dentist
You must prioritize regular checkups with a dentist every six months, especially considering the potential consequences of neglecting to brush your teeth regularly.
These are the basics of dental hygiene; you can follow some other steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Drinking fluoridated water.
- Avoid consumption of tobacco.
- Use a fluoridated mouth rinse.
- Use an electric toothbrush.
- Have a balanced and healthy diet.
Learn All About Bettering Your Oral Health at RiverRock Dental
What happens if you don’t brush your teeth can be a daunting question to tackle on your own. Seeking professional help can give you a better idea of how to take care of your teeth and keep your mouth healthy.
RiverRock Dental in Downtown Shakopee, MN, provides high-quality and comfortable dental care for your family. Start your journey with a brighter smile and get in touch with us at (952) 445-5556 or contact us online.
FAQ
-
What happens if you don’t brush your teeth at night?
Bacteria present in our mouth feed on small food particles. If you don’t brush your teeth at night, it’s like leaving out a buffet for bacteria. This will eventually cause your teeth to erode, leading to cavities and other oral problems.
-
What happens if you don’t brush your teeth with braces?
When you have braces, bacteria, food particles, and plaque accumulate around brackets stuck to your teeth. If not cleaned regularly, it demineralizes the enamel around the bracket and forms cavities.
-
How long can you go without brushing your teeth?
The enamel on your teeth fails if you don’t brush for a week. The plaque develops and causes bad breath, leading to multiple tooth cavities.
