What Happens if You Don’t Brush Your Teeth?

There are few things quite like the feeling of fresh breath and clean teeth after brushing and flossing. We’ve all been told time and time again about the importance of taking care of our oral health, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental exams. 

However, it’s more than a rule of thumb, and there are consequences to neglecting your oral hygiene routine. You could get tooth decay, bad breath, stained teeth, tooth sensitivity, and have a higher risk of future dental procedures if you don’t brush your teeth.

The Risks of Poor Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth is one of the simplest ways to avoid many dental problems down the road. You could face many complications if you don’t keep your teeth clean.

Tooth Decay & Gum Disease

The most obvious consequences of not brushing your teeth are tooth decay and gum disease. When plaque and bacteria aren’t regularly removed through brushing and flossing, they can build up on teeth and gum tissue, leading to infection and decay.

Over time, this can cause cavities, gum disease, and, as your unhealthy gums pull away from your teeth’s roots, you could even lose your tooth. Not only is this painful and expensive to treat, but it can also impact your overall health, as studies have linked gum disease to other health issues such as heart disease and stroke.

Bad Breath

Skipping your daily brushing routine can quickly lead to bad breath, or halitosis. Bacteria not removed through regular brushing can produce an unpleasant odour that lingers in your mouth, even after brushing.

This can be particularly embarrassing in social and professional situations, where bad breath can make a negative impression on others.

Stained & Yellow Teeth

The same buildup of plaque and bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease can also lead to stained and yellow teeth.

If you are a frequent coffee, tea, or red wine drinker, you may notice your teeth becoming more discoloured over time if you are not regularly removing surface stains through brushing and flossing. Stained teeth can make you unhappy about your smile and may contribute to a negative self-image.

Tooth Sensitivity

Neglecting your oral hygiene routine can also lead to tooth sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking hot and cold foods. This occurs when the protective outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, becomes damaged or worn down. Once enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced, and you will have to manage your tooth sensitivity through treatment and lifestyle changes.

More Expensive Dental Procedures

Above all, neglecting your oral hygiene routine puts you at a higher risk of developing dental problems down the line. When you skip brushing and flossing regularly and fail to schedule dental exams, you may be allowing issues to fester until they become more severe and require more involved treatment, such as extracting an infected tooth.

In the long run, staying on top of your oral hygiene can be much cheaper and convenient than neglecting your dental care.

Brushing & Flossing

Brushing is one of the most critical parts of any oral hygiene routine. When done correctly, brushing removes plaque and food debris from the teeth and prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

To brush effectively, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Here are the steps to follow to brush your teeth thoroughly:

1. Wet your toothbrush and add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. 
2. Place the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. 
3. Move the brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes. 
4. Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of all teeth. 
5. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke. 
6. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

You should brush twice daily, and young children must be supervised while brushing their teeth.

Flossing Technique

Flossing is also crucial for good oral health. Flossing removes plaque and food debris from the areas between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. To floss effectively, follow these steps:

1. Take a piece of floss about the length of your hand to your shoulder and wrap it around your middle fingers. 
2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. 
3. Gently guide the floss between each tooth using a sawing motion. 
4. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. 
5. Use an up-and-down motion to remove plaque and food debris. 
6. Repeat on the other side of the space, using a new section of floss for each tooth.

How Often Should I See My Dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning every 6 months. While at-home brushing can remove plaque, once that place hardens into what is known as tartar, you’ll need the tools available to a dental hygienist to remove it.

Your dentist may recommend you visit more or less frequently depending on your overall oral health and any dental problems they may want to keep an eye on.

Making Oral Health a Priority

Taking care of your teeth should be a top priority in your overall health and wellness routine. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental exams can help you avoid future dental problems.

It’s never too late to start taking care of your oral health. Schedule an appointment with South Bolton Dental if you’re overdue for an exam or have concerns about your oral health. Your smile will thank you!