We’ve been advised from a very early age that brushing our teeth twice a day is a healthy habit but no one ever said what could happen if you accidentally skipped this ritual before going to bed. It turns out that missing the two-minute scrub down before going to bed could be one of the biggest oral hygiene mistakes you could make – and chances are that you could be committing this hygiene crime almost every day.
American Dental Association’s Recommendation
According to the American Dental Association’s recommendation, it’s important to brush your teeth twice within a 24-hour period and floss once a day. Furthermore, you should get a dental cleaning appointment twice a year to remove plaque buildup professionally and get an early diagnosis of any tooth decay or oral diseases. Shockingly, very few people follow the recommended practice of oral hygiene and a slight negligence leads to serious repercussions later on.
More than 600 Types of Bacteria in Your Mouth
Your mouth is home to more than 600 types of bacteria – but not all of them are good for your health. Plaque is one of the dangerous bacteria growing in your mouth which is the major cause of bad breath and yellow teeth. If you’ve ever missed a brushing session before going to bed, you can automatically feel the difference when you wake up the next morning. You might notice a sour taste in your mouth because of the traces of old food and bacteria having one hell of a party in your mouth while you snored.
If you happen to sleep next to someone, they might also notice your bad breath. What’s even worse is that if you run your tongue over your teeth, you can feel a film of plaque deposited on the surface of your teeth, and every time you swallow, some of these germs enter your bloodstream and digestive system increasing your risk of certain illnesses. Isn’t that simply gross and scary?
What Happens if You Don’t Brush Your Teeth?
Every time you eat something, traces of food remains stuck between the teeth, becoming a feast for the 600 types of bacteria residing in your mouth. These bacteria are just like us in certain ways: they eat the same food that we do, and they also need to excrete waste after their meal. And as disgusting as it may sound, these bacteria drop a deuce in your mouth several times a day.
If not cleaned regularly and thoroughly, your teeth can fall victim to the toxic waste excreted by the bacteria which is highly acidic, resulting in cavities, decay and erosion of tooth enamel. Not getting into the habit of brushing your teeth twice a day can also cause plaque buildup which hardens over time, making it difficult to remove with just a toothbrush or floss, and in the end, you may need professional help to get your teeth thoroughly cleaned.
Chronic Inflammation Leads to Several Diseases
What’s even worse is that the plaque buildup that occurs due to poor oral hygiene is seen as a sign of infection by our gums which quickly react to start a war in your mouth. In the process of destroying the plaque, our immune system also destroys several of the healthy tissues which keep the gums strong and hold the teeth in place. As a result, the gums start getting weaker and pulling away from the teeth making them more susceptible to falling out.
The constant battle against the bacteria in your mouth can cause inflammation in your gums which can cause pain and discomfort while chewing or swallowing. Inflammation is our body’s natural reaction to germ invasion which can protect us from flu and other illnesses, but poor oral hygiene can make the gum inflammation last for months and even years on end. This chronic inflammation can lead to cardiovascular diseases, dementia and hearing loss.
