What Happens If You Don’t Brush Your Teeth?

Consequences of Not Brushing Your Teeth

Here’s what happens when you don’t brush your teeth:

Plaque Accumulates

Millions of microorganisms, both healthy and dangerous, live in your mouth. These bacteria produce acids that create plaque, a sticky substance, when they consume sugars and starches.

Plaques start to build up within a day.

It solidifies into tartar (calculus) after 48 hours, which is impossible to remove with brushing alone; only a dentist can remove it.

Bad Breath

Without brushing, germs grow and generate sulfur chemicals that smell bad. This results in chronic foul breath that mouthwash cannot eliminate.

Gum Inflammation

Gum irritation from plaque results in:

Bleeding during flossing or brushing

• Swelling
• Redness

With the right brushing and dental care, this early stage of gum disease can be reversed. However, it develops into something far worse if neglected.

Tooth Decay

When tooth enamel is eroded by plaque acids, it can result in:

• Sensitivity, or discomfort from hot, cold, or sugary meals
• Visible caverns or holes
• Toothaches that need root canal therapy or fillings

Advanced Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Gingivitis develops into periodontitis if left untreated, where:

• Gums separate from teeth, creating diseased pockets.
• Teeth get looser when the jawbone deteriorates.
• Teeth can fall out; in fact, the most common cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease.

Infections and Abscesses in the Teeth

When bacteria invade the tooth pulp (root), it can result in:

• Excruciating pain
• Abscesses loaded with pus
• Infection that spreads to the bloodstream or jaw, which might be fatal