We’ve all been there: it’s late, you’re tired, and you just want to fall into bed and skip your nightly routine.
And even though it may not seem like skipping brushing your teeth before bed every now and then is a big deal, the next time you want to skip, you may want to consider how gross it really is and take the extra two minutes to take care of your teeth!
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day, and they have good rationale behind it. Bacteria builds up in our mouths in the form of plaque. Plaque buildup is what makes your teeth feel sticky or fuzzy-feeling. Brushing disrupts that bacterial buildup so it doesn’t stay in place and damage teeth. The longer plaque sits on top of your teeth, the more likely it can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases like gingivitis. Plaque can harden and become tartar buildup which can cause inflammation, discomfort, and bleeding gums.
And while a cavity won’t immediately happen just because you skip brushing one time, you can certainly start the process of a cavity by not brushing once. If you skip a nightly brushing, that plaque will sit on your teeth all night long, giving it ample time to damage them.
Using gum, mouthwash and mints won’t cut it, either. Though it will freshen your breath, only the actual act of brushing can actually physically remove plaque buildup. So make sure to take the two minutes every morning and evening to do a good job brushing. Just a few minutes a day will go a long way to having healthy teeth.
The family dentists at Dakota Dental are always available to help patients learn more about the importance of dental health and how to clean your teeth properly. Their preventative dental care program has helpful tips for patients of all ages. Dakota Dental is happy to help all their patients get a perfect smile! If you’re overdue for your next teeth cleaning, or have questions on creating healthy brushing habits, contact Dakota Dental.