I Forgot to Brush my Teeth Last Night, What’s the Big Deal?

Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

So, 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.