A proper oral hygiene routine includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Rinsing with mouthwash is another good way to keep your mouth clean.
But what can happen if you relax your teeth cleaning regimen? Your oral health starts to deteriorate after one skipped oral hygiene practice. Dr. Allie Miller, a pediatric dentist in Winter Park, FL, describes what happens in your mouth if you do not brush your teeth.
Bad Breath
Your mouth contains many kinds of bacteria, and throughout the day, they create a film of plaque over your teeth. You may notice this sensation if you have ever run your tongue over your teeth and the surface felt “fuzzy” rather than smooth.
Brushing your teeth removes this film to keep your teeth clean and healthy. If the film remains on your teeth, bacteria continue to react with substances in your mouth to create a bad taste in your mouth as well as bad breath.
This sensation is unpleasant and can make you feel self-conscious. Regular oral hygiene habits can prevent bad breath and other dental issues.
Cavities
Poor oral hygiene can hurt your teeth too. Plaque hardens into tartar over time, which weakens the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel.
If your enamel is not strong enough to fight bacteria, your teeth can decay, resulting in cavities. Sometimes you can notice a cavity because your tooth feels sore. Other dental patients might not experience any symptoms from a cavity.
This is why regular dental appointments are important. Your dentist can check your teeth for cavities and treat them, as well as complete a thorough teeth cleaning to remove plaque build-up from parts of your teeth you may have missed while brushing.
Gum Disease
If you do not brush your teeth, bacteria can spread more freely through your teeth and gums. More bacteria in your mouth raises your risk of oral infections, including gum disease.
Bacteria can infect your gums, leaving you with symptoms like sore, tender, or swollen gums. If this disease progresses, you can notice severe damage to your oral health, including receding gums and tooth loss. You can prevent these problems with proper oral hygiene habits.
Pediatric Teeth Cleaning in Winter Park, FL
Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park offers expert teeth cleaning and other preventative dental care to young patients in Winter Park, FL. Dr. Miller also specializes in cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry for children. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 407.434.0267.