Most people know they should brush twice a day to protect their oral health. Still, this important task is often the first to get skipped at the end of a long day or in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
While missing a good brushing from time to time usually isn’t cause for concern, making it a regular habit can cause trouble. And it may surprise you how quickly things can go wrong when you stop brushing.
As a full-service dental office, The Dental Touch team helps people maintain or restore their oral health. Part of that involves regular professional cleanings and exams, but good oral health starts at home with regular brushing.
Think regular brushing is overrated? Here’s what happens when you skimp on this essential habit.
You may study your smile in the mirror and think it looks fine, but there’s more going on than meets the eye.
The mouth actually teems with bacteria — more than 700 types, to be exact. It lives on your teeth, tongue, and the pockets between the gum and teeth. Some of this bacteria can coat the teeth in a sticky layer known as plaque, and it feeds on the sugar in things you consume. It also releases acid, which damages the protective enamel coating on your teeth.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is your first line of defense against plaque. This, when ignored, can cause serious problems, and it can also happen quickly. In fact, research shows that dental plaque can start penetrating and damaging your teeth within 48 hours.
Modern humans tend to eat a diet with plenty of sugar — giving bacteria in the mouth the perfect environment to thrive. Each time you skip brushing, this film increases and becomes harder to remove. Over time, it forms tartar. These solid bits can irritate gums and cause additional problems.
Dental issues that arise from poor oral hygiene include:
All of these oral health problems increase your chances of tooth loss. But that’s not all — they can also threaten your overall health.
People often separate oral health from physical health, but the two are intimately linked. After all, your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. So, when bacteria builds up in your mouth, it doesn’t stay there. Instead, it circulates throughout your system, increasing your chances of numerous health complications, including:
Our skilled team can help you avoid these dangers — and it starts with regular brushing twice a day.
Have you been skimping on brushing? Contact The Dental Touch in Oakland, California, to get your oral health back on track today.
