Everyone knows dental hygiene is important, but what you might not know are the consequences of poor dental hygiene. From tooth replacement to decay and gum disease, here’s what can happen if you don’t take care of your teeth.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common issues for people who don’t brush and floss regularly. When acids and sugar build up on your teeth and you don’t brush them away, they can cause lasting damage. According to USA Today, people who stop brushing their teeth can develop cavities (tooth decay) and/or periodontal disease (gum disease). Dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is also one of the most common dental problems for adults in the United States. Even if you’re brushing your teeth once a day, you might not be taking good care of your gums. Flossing is an important part of gum care, so not flossing or brushing your teeth regularly greatly increases your risk of gum disease.
Cavities
Cavities are a common problem among people who don’t brush their teeth often. Brushing your teeth helps prevent damage that sugar and acids can cause, which is why experts recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. Brushing to prevent cavities can also save you a lot of money.
Tooth Loss
Losing teeth is also a potential consequence of poor dental hygiene. While tooth replacement is an option, replacing a tooth is expensive and there’s no getting your original tooth back. If you want to avoid expensive tooth replacement bills, brushing and flossing daily is a must.
Infections
If you’ve never experienced severe tooth pain, consider yourself lucky. Tooth infections can cause serious pain, and it’s easier to get a tooth infection than you might think. Brushing and flossing regularly helps keep away bacteria that can lead to infections, which means you don’t have to deal with antibiotics, pain medication, or expensive surgery.
Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do in life. You only get one set of teeth, and daily brushing and flossing can help you prevent long-term issues that are difficult to address. If you haven’t visited a dentist in a while, call us at Breakwater Dental to schedule an appointment today.
