4 Side Effects of Not Brushing Your Teeth
We all know we should brush our teeth twice a day. We know that brushing our teeth is good for us, but do we know what the side effects are if we don’t brush our teeth? Your friendly dentist at Asante Dental Centre has compiled this list to get you in the habit of brushing your teeth twice daily.
Halitosis
Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, can be prevented by brushing your teeth daily. When you brush, you remove food that is left in your mouth following a meal. When food particles are not removed, they can break down resulting in a bad smell that comes from your mouth. Regularly brushing your teeth twice a day helps to remove food particles from your mouth, leaving you with breath that smells both clean and fresh.
Bacteria
When you don’t take the time to brush your teeth following breakfast or before going to bed, you allow the bacteria in your mouth to thrive. When bacteria is left undisturbed in your mouth, plaque starts to build up along the gums and between your teeth. Regular brushing reduces plaque. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which can stain your teeth and cause bleeding and inflamed gums. To completely remove tartar, you must make a visit to the dentist’s office. Tartar is more than just unsightly, it is generally the first step toward major oral health concerns.
Tooth Decay
Tartar that is left undisturbed on your teeth can start to create serious problems with your overall oral health. Plaque and tartar work together to wreak havoc on your teeth by eating away at your teeth and gums. Bacteria can easily hide under areas of tartar buildup and become very difficult to remove by brushing and flossing. Bacteria hiding under tartar can cause teeth to weaken and decay, eventually resulting in cavities.
Disease
If tartar is not removed, it can result in advanced gum disease (periodontal disease) from loss of bone around teeth. Periodontal disease can lead to teeth becoming loose and needing to be taken out.
Bacteria and tartar with prolonged access to your gums can eventually infiltrate your blood system, resulting in serious health problems—not just in your mouth. Not only does poor hygiene habits result in periodontal disease, but an unclean mouth is also linked to heart attacks, pneumonia, dementia, respiratory infections, and more!
The best way to maintain your oral and overall health is to get into the habit of brushing your teeth at least twice a day. If you haven’t been to see your Asante Dental Centre recently, call to schedule an appointment today. Your oral and overall health may depend on it!