What Is Considered Proper Oral Hygiene? Dentist Recommendations
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. You should also floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
In addition, the ADA recommends that you see your dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup at least once every six months. Professional cleanings can remove tartar and plaque that you may have missed with your at-home dental care routine.
Now that you know the recommendations, what happens when you don’t brush your teeth as instructed? Below, we’ll discuss the best and worst case scenarios.
What Happens When You Don’t Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day?
If you forget to brush your teeth every now and then, you’re not likely to experience any major problems. However, if you make a habit of skipping your dental hygiene routine, you’re at risk for a variety of dental and oral health problems.
If you only brush your teeth once a day, chances are, tartar will build up on your teeth. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed by a professional. Plaque normally hardens within 24-48 hours, but sometimes, it can happen sooner.
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, the plaque will continue to build up and eventually turn into tartar. Once tartar forms, it can cause a variety of problems, including:
- gum disease;
- tooth decay;
- bad breath;
- sensitivity.
All of these problems can be avoided by simply brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Flossing once a day will also help to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, further reducing your risk for oral health problems.
Is It Better to Brush Before Bed or in the Morning?
Many people brush their teeth in the morning as part of their daily routine. However, if you insist on only doing it once per day, it’s actually better to brush your teeth before bed. When you sleep, your saliva production decreases. This allows plaque and bacteria to build up in your mouth, increasing your risk for oral health problems.
What Happens If You Don’t Brush Your Teeth for One or Two Days?
If you’re out camping and don’t have access to a toothbrush, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t brush your teeth for one or two days. However, you should brush your teeth as soon as possible to remove the plaque and bacteria that have built up in your mouth.
What happens if you don’t brush your teeth for a few days? You may have bad breath and your teeth may be a little more sensitive than usual, but you’re not likely to experience any major problems. It’s worth it going to the dentist for a professional cleaning after you’ve been camping to remove any tartar that may have formed, and to check for cavities.
What If You Never Brushed Your Teeth? Gum Disease, Cavities & More
Now, what happens when you don’t brush your teeth at all? The plaque and tartar continue to build up on your tooth enamel. The bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Tooth decay would also become a problem if you never brushed your teeth. The bacteria buildup in your mouth can cause cavities.
In addition, bad breath would become a constant problem. The bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause an unpleasant odor. The longer you go without brushing your teeth, the worse the problem will become.
All the food and bacteria buildup would lead to exposed roots and gum recession. This would make your teeth more sensitive and increase your risk for infections. Unfortunately, your mouth isn’t self-cleaning – and it would never be if you never brushed your teeth.
What Did People Do Before Toothbrushes Were Invented?
The first mass-produced toothbrush was invented in Europe in 1780. It wasn’t until 1938 that the first toothbrush with nylon bristles was invented. Before modern dentistry, people used a variety of things to clean their teeth, including:
- chewing sticks;
- feathers;
- porcupine quills;
- wool.
While these methods may seem strange to us now, they were actually quite effective at removing plaque and food particles from teeth. Besides, our modern diet loaded with carbohydrates is much worse for our teeth than the diet of our ancestors. For this reason, we need to brush our teeth with more frequency and care than ever before.
Surprising Health Problems Linked to Poor Dental Hygiene
Not brushing your teeth can cause a variety of problems, including gum disease (gingivitis), tooth decay, bad breath, and sensitivity. However, you may be surprised to learn that not brushing your teeth can also harm your overall health.
For instance, research has linked periodontitis (periodontal disease) to an increased risk for:
- heart disease;
- chronic kidney disease;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- metabolic syndrome;
- diabetes;
- respiratory problems;
- cognitive impairment;
- cancer.
While the exact reason for this link is unknown, it’s thought that the bacteria in plaque and tartar can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation is thought to be the underlying cause of these health problems if left untreated. Thus, it’s important to brush your teeth and visit your dentist regularly to reduce your risk for both dental and general health problems.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly – Poor Oral Health Is No Joke!
It’s important to brush your teeth regularly to avoid oral health problems. Plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Additionally, long-term neglect of your oral health can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.
So, what happens when you don’t brush your teeth? All kinds of things you don’t want to happen to you!
Similar Posts:
- Tartar Breaking Off Teeth: When Should You Go to Dentist? Ways to Remove Plaque and Tartar Build-Up
- Exposed Tooth Root – Treatment, Causes, and Symptoms of Exposed Roots
- Prophylaxis (Dental): What to Expect From a Teeth Cleaning Appointment or Periodontal Probing?
- What to Do If You Have Swollen or Sore Gums Around One Tooth
- Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Everyday?
