It’s the stuff of nightmares! Ok, maybe just our nightmares, at least. The thought of what would happen if you did not brush your teeth sends chills up the spines of all of us at 38th Modern Dental, and not just because it is close to Halloween. Not only is brushing your teeth a great way to improve your overall health and wellness, but it also ensures that people won’t avoid conversations with you (unless you carry around breath mints).
The Danger is Real
We can make jokes all day, and we typically do, but neglecting your oral health is no joke. Yes, it will lead to some smelly breath, but avoiding brushing your teeth will do more than just make you a loner. Bacteria enters your mouth constantly throughout the day. Whether it enters in the form of droplets when you take a breath or when you eat, bacteria are abundant in life. It is what causes illness and infection, and every ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (yes, we said it).
If you did not brush, bacteria would continue to build upon the surface of and in between your teeth. The longer you neglect your oral health, the longer this bacteria has to feast upon your enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay. As your teeth begin to decay, it opens up holes in your teeth that are similar to open sores on the surface of your skin. These ‘sores’ are increasingly sensitive and prone to infection.
Worst-Case Scenario
The same bacteria that caused the cavities and tooth decay can do more than just artificial damage. If you wonder what would happen if you did not brush your teeth, imagine a sore on the outside of your body that did not get treated properly. Not only did you not bandage the sore, but you allowed dirt and bacteria to enter without cleaning it out. It would be no surprise that a sore on your skin would cause infection, and the same is true in your mouth. As bacteria enter the hole caused by tooth decay, infection will develop.
While antibiotics are great drugs for intervening when an infection occurs, most tooth decay can go undetected for months. In the months you are unaware of anything wrong happening inside your mouth, the infection can quickly spread throughout your entire body, making it difficult for antibiotics to treat. In addition, even if you begin to use antibiotics, you will likely need more than one course to treat the severe infection, leaving you open to the possibility of antibiotic resistance. While all of these things seem scary, and for a good reason, our description is the worst-case scenario. However, our description is also the exact reason why dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice per day for at least two minutes each time.
Just Do It
If you did not gather from our information above, neglecting your dental health can have severe consequences. At 38th Modern Dental, we would be happy to discuss this further at your next appointment. In the meantime, we have some additional tips:
- Brush Your Teeth! Just do it. Brush for the recommended amount of time twice daily.
- Floss. Flossing is a minimal step that has significant impacts. Floss once per day to get any lingering bacteria out of your mouth.
- Schedule Routine Dental Care. If you don’t already have a dentist, please get in touch with us. Our new patients receive an initial exam, cleaning, and a set of x-rays for just $59. In addition, establishing routine care with a dental provider is an excellent step in preventing disease. While the American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist at least two times per year, your dentist will create a custom plan specific to your dental needs.
We look forward to serving you and your family. Please, brush your teeth!