It happens to the best of us: you’re exhausted and you just go to bed instead of brushing your teeth. Or you overslept and skip brushing your teeth before going to work. A slip-up here and there won’t be detrimental to your oral health, but it’s still important to stay on top of your routine. Have you ever wondered exactly what happens when you forget to brush? Maybe if you did, you would always make sure you have some time to brush and floss twice a day.
After You Eat
First, let’s look at what happens to your mouth after you eat. When you consume food or sugary drinks, the bacteria in your mouth will start to break down the sugars that are left. When this sugar is broken down, it turns into acid. This acid is highly damaging to your teeth. It eats away at the enamel, which is the first line of defense for your teeth. Enamel is the protective coating on the outermost part of a tooth, and once it’s damaged, it doesn’t grow back. Brushing your teeth helps to rid your mouth of these acids, protecting your enamel in the process.
Plaque
The longer you let the bacteria in your mouth thrive, the more it builds up. Eventually, the bacteria will build up into a thin, sticky film. This film is also known as plaque, and it’s very good at breaking down your teeth. Left unattended, plaque can lead to cavities, gum diseases, and tooth decay. Brushing your teeth helps to fight plaque and keep it at bay. Of course, eventually, you’ll need to visit your dentist for your regular cleaning to get any built up plaque off that you can’t get rid of yourself.
Bad Breath
This one is probably the most obvious, at least to you (and probably your coworkers). If you forget to brush your teeth, you’re most likely going to have bad breath. Those bacteria we were talking about cause an unpleasant odor, and if you don’t brush then you’re giving them free rein to keep feeding and thus keep releasing those bad breath odors.
Brush Your Teeth and Visit Your Dentist in Springfield, MO!
As you can see, sticking to your brushing routine is very important, so make sure you keep on doing it! Even if you’re tired it’s good to make time for your oral health. Remember, even if you’re very good about your routine, you still need to visit your dentist for your regular cleanings to remove the plaque you can’t get off yourself. Parkcrest Dental Group is here for your dental needs. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!
