What Happens if You Don’t Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth twice every day makes a trivial part of your daily routine that can have surprising benefits to your overall health. However, you will still find several people around you who don’t brush their teeth twice a day or schedule a visit to the dental office regularly. While skipping brushing once in a while may not be an issue, it can have severe health consequences if you don’t brush your teeth in the long term. Some of the potential problems you may experience if you don't brush your teeth regularly include the following.

Dental Health Problems

If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, you can develop several problems with your oral cavity that are often invisible to your eyes. Some of the dental health problems you may experience include

Cavities

When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, you are likely to end up with plaque, a sticky film that coats the teeth and contains bacteria that can damage your teeth. The bacteria in the plaque penetrate the protective enamel of your teeth and attack the more vulnerable layers of your teeth, leading to cavities. If left untreated, cavities can cause dental infections and may also lead to tooth decay. You can prevent the formation of cavities and associated problems by brushing your teeth regularly.

Gingivitis

While plaque leads to cavities, it can also affect your gum health. If left untreated, plaque formation can lead to gingivitis, a gum disease that causes inflammation and irritation of the gums. The gums become inflamed and are more likely to bleed.

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a severe bone infection that spreads down from your gums to the bones that support your teeth. Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.

Other Health Concerns

While your oral health is most likely to get affected if you don't brush your teeth, there are other possible health concerns that you should know about that can result from not brushing your teeth. 

Possible Link to Dementia

According to research, there is a link between dementia and dental decay. Studies show that individuals with dementia often experience dental decay at greater rates. However, a few studies indicate that dental decay can increase an individual’s risk for dementia. There is also a possible link between inflammatory dental conditions and inflammation in the brain that can lead to conditions such as dementia.

Heart Diseases

According to studies, individuals who brushed their teeth at two to three times per day were less likely to experience heart diseases, including heart failure. Moreover, scheduling regular dental check-ups also reduces the risk of heart-related complications.

Takeaway

If you forgot to brush your teeth last night, don’t worry. But make sure to regularly brush your teeth at least twice daily, flossing once a day, and scheduling a visit to your dentist at least twice a year. All these measures will ensure that you enjoy good oral health but also great overall health.