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Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PASo, you forgot to brush your teeth before bed; that cannot be all that bad, right? You may be surprised to know that skipping just one night of brushing can lead to consequences that you might otherwise wish to avoid. Scientists have discovered more than 700 strands of bacteria that live in our mouths. Yuck! Some of these bacteria are fine and probably need to be there while other strands of bacteria are harmful to our health. They also cause cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Here’s how it works.The bacteria in our mouth mix with our saliva and then feed off of carbohydrates and sugars from foods and beverages that we consume. The bacteria form a sticky film, referred to as plaque that sticks to our teeth. Regular brushing and flossing can remove this biofilm, but when you skip brushing your teeth, that plaque can harden and become tartar. Once tartar buildups up on your teeth, it can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. Bacteria thrive in tartar, and their excrements are highly acidic, which can cause erosion of the dental enamel and infections, be it cavities or gum disease. Therefore, it is highly advised by your dentist, as well as the American Dental Association, that everyone practice good oral hygiene habits of brushing and flossing daily, as well as undergoing routine dental cleanings and exams twice a year. Removing the tartar buildup will significantly lessen your chances of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. So, the next time that you think it is ok to skip brushing your teeth before bed, think again! You really should brush to remove the bacteria and plaque that is lurking in your mouth. Even better, floss so that you can clean between your teeth, and rinse afterward using a non-alcohol based fluoridated mouth rinse. Don’t forget your routine checkups and cleanings too! To schedule an appointment, contact Hamilton Dental Care today at (570) 387-0533. Hamilton Dental Care is here to serve patients in the communities of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA. Skip to main content
You had a late night out with friends and are finally headed back home in the wee hours of the morning. As soon as you’re in the house, you change right into your pajamas and can’t wait to get into bed. You’re completely exhausted and even the thought of brushing your teeth seems too strenuous a task. Would it be so bad to fall asleep without completing your nighttime oral routine? What Happens When You Don’t Brush Your TeethWhen you skip running a brush across your teeth, you’re allowing plaque to grow in your mouth. “Food debris combines with saliva to form plaque,” explains Timothy Chase, DDS, cosmetic dentist and cofounder of SmilesNY. “Plaque eventually hardens to form tartar. Plaque and tartar cause irritation, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums, as well as dental decay, also known as cavities.” He also added that gum disease can lead to the loss of the supporting gum and bone that hold your teeth in, eventually leading to tooth loss. This is why brushing your teeth twice a day, every day, is so important. “Brushing your teeth regularly and correctly cleans the food debris and plaque from your teeth before it has a chance to turn into calculus and decay,” says Dr. Chase. Using a toothpaste like Pronamel is also a good option, as it strengthens and rehardens enamel and helps protect against the effects of enamel erosion. How Bad Is Not Brushing Your Teeth Before Bed?So now that we know why we need to brush daily and what happens when we don’t, is it really so bad to skimp on the bedtime oral care routine once in a while? “Failing to brush your teeth at the end of the day gives the bad bacteria in your mouth many hours to feast on the debris and release acids that cause tooth decay and gum disease,” Dr. Chase says. “It can also be enough time to allow some of the soft plaque to harden into calculus that you cannot remove by brushing. Doing this once, or once in a while, may not be the end of the world, but it certainly is a cumulative issue where prior neglect builds into a bigger problem.” Long story short? It’s never a good idea to fall asleep without brushing your teeth if you can prevent it. “Of course, a little cleaning is better than no cleaning,” says Dr. Chase, “but investing the time to do it correctly is the healthy way to go.” Related articlesWhat happens if you dont brush one day?When you don't brush, these bacteria get to work ingesting food particles and sugary debris that ultimately cause tooth decay. If you miss just one time brushing your teeth, the interaction between these particles and bacteria will likely create a bad taste and a bad smell in your mouth.
Is it okay if I accidentally fell asleep without brushing my teeth?When it comes to falling asleep without brushing our teeth, how bad is it? Turns out, it's pretty bad. Brushing twice a day is important for more than just fresh breath. When you skip brushing your teeth, you are providing an opportunity for bacterial buildup, which takes the form of plaque.
How long will teeth last without brushing?One week without brushing:
As soon as a week goes by, your teeth' enamel will start to break down. The plaque that hasn't been removed will make it easy for bad breath to grow. A dirty tooth will make it hard to clean. You will have a greater chance of getting cavities if you don't brush your teeth for a week.
Will I be fine if I brush my teeth once a day?In fact, most experts say that even with just once-a-day brushing, it is already enough to keep bacteria and cavities at bay. Yes, you read it right. Brushing your teeth once a day is enough to maintain good oral health if it is done correctly.
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What happens if I forgot to brush my teeth one night?
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