What Would Happen if You Stopped Brushing Your Teeth?

I’m sure there have been lazy nights where you’ve skipped your nightly brushing and flossing. Although this is common, it is definitely not something you want to habitually do!

Skipping your nightly dental hygiene routine can do serious damage to your oral health; it’s important to schedule your six-month dental visits and remember to brush and flush twice a day!

Practice good oral hygiene with your family.

You Could Develop Gum Disease

This may be hard to believe but more than 50% of US citizens suffer from gingivitis! Being a gum disease candidate means you will need to visit your dentist every three months instead of six to make sure you aren’t developing more super plaque.

Plaque that sits on your teeth for a long period of time turns into something called super plaque. This gross stuff hardens into tarter, which can only be cleaned and removed professionally. The most common form of gum disease is often contracted when our gums are irritated by the amount of tartar that has formed on our teeth.

In most gingivitis cases, it goes untreated! When we do nothing about this excess of plaque build up, pockets form at the base of our teeth. This can lead to even more build up and serious issues such as discolored teeth, swollen gums, and a severe type of gum disease known as periodontitis.

You Will Develop Halitosis

Halitosis is the technical term for bad breath. According to Medical News Today, 1 out of 4 people are affected globally by halitosis. This is due to lackluster dental hygiene.

Bad breath is similar to food. Old smelly leftovers that are sitting in the fridge won’t start to smell better overtime, only worse. Any decaying food on your teeth or an increase of plaque will continue to make your breath smell foul.

Your Teeth Could Fall Out

Have you ever experienced the infamous nightmare that your teeth keep falling out? Don’t let this dreadful dream become a reality! Periodontitis can spread all the way to your jaw, causing your gums to eventually pull away from your teeth and leading to further infection. With time, the bone and tissue surrounding your teeth will soften, causing your teeth to fall out.

You always hear about these stories and think, “this won’t happen to me!” However, it’s more common than you think. Americans suffering from gum disease who are 20-64 years old have lost an average of 7 teeth!

You Could Develop Other Health Problems

Bacteria oftentimes goes unnoticed. As long as you allow it, it will spread throughout your body, which can be detrimental. Common diseases that are linked to poor oral hygiene include:

• Diabetes: Gum infections can cause an increase in blood sugar, which is a major concern for a diabetic. If you suffer from diabetes, your oral health should receive ample attention. Often times, periodontitis and diabetes go hand and hand.
• Heart Disease: Bacteria has a knack for sneaking into your bloodstream; which means it can travel anywhere in your body—including your heart. This leads to inflammation and heart problems.
• Pneumonia: Oddly enough, you can inhale airborne bacteria from your mouth! This can lead to respiratory infections.

The risks that may ensue if your teeth aren’t properly cleaned are dire. The best way to prevent these issues from occurring is to floss and brush your teeth twice a day, and to visit your dentist every six months. We hope that you will take the right steps to maintain your health!