What happens if I don’t brush and floss

Okay, so I know I’m supposed to brush and floss, like, twice a day and everything. My dentist tells me. My mom tells me. Every commercial tells me. But honestly, sometimes I’m just tired. Or I’m running late. Or I just…forget. I want to understand what really happens if I skip it sometimes. Like, I know about cavities, but is that it?

I’m mostly asking about the short-term and long-term effects. What happens after one night? One week? One month? What about a year, or even five years of not brushing and flossing consistently? Is it just bad breath and yellow teeth, or are there bigger health problems I should be worrying about?

Also, is it really that bad if I just brush and skip the flossing? Flossing is the WORST.

Answer

If you consistently neglect brushing and flossing, a cascade of negative effects will occur within your oral cavity, impacting your overall health over time. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happens:

Initial Stages: Plaque and Tartar Buildup

• Plaque Formation: Within hours of eating, a sticky, colorless film called plaque begins to form on your teeth. This film is composed of bacteria, saliva, and food debris. The bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and carbohydrates from your diet.
• Acid Production: As bacteria metabolize sugars, they produce acids that attack tooth enamel. These acid attacks can last for up to 20 minutes after eating or drinking, and they gradually weaken and erode the enamel.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): If plaque is not removed through brushing and flossing, it irritates the gums, causing inflammation, redness, swelling, and bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing. This is gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. At this stage, the damage is usually reversible with proper oral hygiene.
• Tartar (Calculus) Formation: Over time, plaque hardens into a crusty deposit called tartar or calculus. Tartar is difficult to remove with brushing and flossing alone; it requires professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. Tartar provides a rough surface for more plaque to accumulate, exacerbating the problem. Tartar also extends below the gum line, further irritating the gums.

Progression: Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease)

• Pocket Formation: As gingivitis progresses, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets become infected with more bacteria.
• Bone and Tissue Destruction: The bacteria in these pockets release toxins that damage the bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place. This process is called periodontitis.
• Tooth Loosening and Loss: As the supporting structures are destroyed, teeth become loose and eventually fall out or require extraction.
• Gum Recession: The gums recede, exposing the roots of the teeth. This can lead to increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Other Consequences:

• Tooth Decay (Cavities): The acid produced by plaque bacteria erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities (dental caries). If left untreated, cavities can progress into the deeper layers of the tooth, causing pain, infection, and potentially requiring root canal treatment or extraction.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis): The accumulation of bacteria and food debris in the mouth contributes to bad breath.
• Tooth Discoloration: Plaque and tartar can stain teeth, leading to discoloration.
• Increased Risk of Oral Infections: Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of oral infections, such as fungal infections (e.g., thrush).
• Difficulty Eating and Speaking: Tooth loss and gum disease can make it difficult to chew food properly and speak clearly.
• Impact on Overall Health: Research has linked poor oral hygiene to several systemic health conditions, including:
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Inflammation from gum disease may contribute to the development of heart disease and stroke.
  • Diabetes: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Conversely, diabetes can worsen gum disease.
  • Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
  • Pregnancy Complications: Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: There is a correlation between the two diseases, likely due to the inflammatory response.
  • Kidney Disease: Evidence suggests a connection between gum disease and chronic kidney disease.
• Increased Healthcare Costs: Neglecting oral hygiene leads to more frequent and costly dental treatments.

In summary, failing to brush and floss allows plaque to accumulate, leading to a cascade of problems, from gum disease and tooth decay to tooth loss and potential impacts on overall health. Consistent oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining a healthy mouth and protecting your general well-being.