At one point, everyone has been so tired late at night that they just want to go to bed without brushing their teeth. While this might be tempting, it’s not a good idea. Here, we’ll explain why you need to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and what can happen if you don’t.
Why Do I Need to Brush My Teeth?
Did you know that there are over 300 types of bacteria in your mouth? While some of these bacteria are not harmful, a large number of them are very bad for your oral health if they are not removed through daily brushing and flossing. If you don’t brush your teeth, these bad bacteria will feed on food particles that are left over in your mouth and accumulate into a sticky film of plaque, which can cause serious dental health issues.
What Happens If I Don’t Brush My Teeth?
There are serious consequences of not brushing your teeth. Even missing one time of brushing your teeth allows the bacteria to build up along the surface of your teeth and under your gumline. This layer of plaque bacteria creates a bad smell and taste in your mouth. It also produces acids that will damage your tooth enamel, eventually leading to sensitivity, discoloration, tooth decay, and cavities. Not brushing your teeth will also lead to inflammation, infection, and pain in your gums! If left untreated, these kinds of oral health issues will continue to escalate until you eventually lose your teeth.
How Do I Prevent Oral Health Issues?
The first and perhaps most important step to preventing serious dental health issues is to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Most people brush for less time than this, but it’s vital to brush your teeth thoroughly so that you get the entire surface area of every single tooth. You should also use a fluoride toothpaste when brushing your teeth because fluoride helps fortify your enamel through the remineralization process. Additionally, drink plenty of water, eat a healthy and balanced diet, brush your tongue every day, and floss at least once a day to dislodge any leftover food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline.
Preventive Dental Care at Helotes Family Dentistry
In addition to practicing these good oral health habits every day, come see our friendly team for regular checkups and cleanings every six months. We can make sure your teeth are squeaky clean and that your gums are healthy. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!
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