Most people skip brushing and flossing sessions occasionally, not realizing the damage they are doing to their teeth and gums. Skipping your oral care routine occasionally adds up, eventually resulting in consequences.
Ideally, you should be brushing and flossing after all meals or no less than twice daily. Skipping days can lead to:
- Tooth Decay
- Tooth Infections
- Gingivitis
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Loss
A Day without a Toothbrush: A Timeline
- Morning: You wake up, have breakfast with coffee, and then do some house cleaning or run errands. The debris left on your teeth is already growing sticky as plaque forms.
- Midday: You’ve had lunch and maybe a few snacks by now. The plaque begins to harden, leading to bad breath and enamel acidity.
- Before Bed: Maybe you fall asleep watching TV. You didn’t mean to fall asleep. You planned to brush and floss before going to bed for the night. At this point, some plaque may be forming tartar, which puts your teeth and gums at serious risk. The acidic tartar erodes your enamel.
Dental Care and Oral Hygiene Matter
Tooth decay is a common consequence of poor oral hygiene. In advanced cases, it can compromise tooth structure, putting one at risk for tooth loss. Advanced tooth decay also increases the odds of a deep tooth infection, which requires root canal therapy and a dental crown.
Gum disease is the most severe consequence of poor oral hygiene. People can lose teeth and risk many body systems and outcomes as it progresses. Studies have shown a link between untreated gum disease and heart problems, lung issues, autoimmune troubles, pregnancy complications, and more.
Contact Your Dentist in Durham, NC
You can contact a dental team member at (919) 941-5549 to schedule your next checkup and teeth cleaning or if you have questions about oral hygiene.
Talk to us about our dental membership plan! We also accept CareCredit.