How Long Can You Go Without Brushing Your Teeth?

While it may be common knowledge that you should brush your teeth twice daily, in the morning and at night before bed, some individuals have not made this a habit. 4th Street Dental Studio in Columbus, OH, provides professional dental services to patients to maintain good oral health and hygiene habits for healthy teeth.

Overview of Oral Hygiene

Daily brushing in the morning and before bed is essential to dental health. Your mouth will always be a breeding ground for germs, no matter how well you care for your teeth and gums. These bacteria can cause significant problems in the mouth if they are not eliminated regularly, such as after each meal and before bedtime.

Why Is Brushing My Teeth Important?

1. Protection against Gum Disease: Excess plaque buildup around your teeth is the root cause of gingivitis, which manifests as red, swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush. Every person eventually develops a film of germs and leftover food in their mouths, known as plaque.

2. Preventing Bad Odor: A foul odor will develop in your mouth if you don’t brush your teeth and gums frequently. 

3. Prevent Stroke and Heart Attacks: The risk of having a stroke or heart attack is increased when oral bacteria from the mouth travel via circulation to the heart and brain.

4. Improve Dental Health: Maintaining good oral hygiene and reducing plaque buildup will significantly lessen the likelihood of developing cavities and periodontal disease. It will also save you time and money in the long term by reducing the need for frequent visits to your local dentist. 

What Problems Can Occur if You Don’t Brush Your Teeth Regularly?

Developing good oral hygiene habits will significantly improve your overall health. You should make cleaning your teeth twice daily a regular habit in your routine. Below are problems that can occur if you don’t brush your teeth regularly: 

• Brushing your tongue can also help you eliminate bad breath. Many germs may accumulate on your tongue, but regular brushing will help improve your hygiene.
• If left untreated, plaque will destroy your teeth and get trapped between them and beneath your gum line, leading to gum disease. Bone and tooth loss and dental decay can signify early gum disease from poor oral hygiene.
• Plaque and tartar buildup hides bacteria, which can develop into cavities and cause other health issues. Tooth enamel on your teeth is a barrier, but certain germs may break past it and infect your body.
• Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems by half by brushing your teeth for two minutes twice daily. When bacteria and poisons enter the circulatory system, they go to all parts of the body, particularly the organs responsible for breathing and heart function.
• The most common cause of tooth discoloration is insufficient or improper brushing and flossing habits. If you don’t take the time to brush and floss routinely, germs and food particles can accumulate in your mouth and cause teeth discoloration.

Visit 4th Street Dental Studio Regularly.

Professional dental care, including cleanings and examinations, is the best way to maintain a healthy mouth with a routine dental checkup. Dr. Wood has worked in both public health and private practice, as well as in a corporate dental environment. In Columbus, OH, he opened the 4th Street Dental Studio. Get in touch with us and schedule your next appointment today!