Not brushing your teeth can have greater effects on your oral health than you might think. The mouth is naturally a moist and bacteria-laden environment. When you do not brush your teeth regularly, plaque – a sticky layer formed by bacteria living on food residues in the mouth – quickly builds up. This plaque produces acid, which erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities and other dental problems.
You can even observe the effects of not brushing your teeth for a few days. You may feel a greasy layer on your teeth, which facilitates the adherence of plaque to the tooth surface. This situation increases the accumulation of plaque that you could prevent by brushing, leading to more dental problems.
The Effect of Long-Term Non-Brushing on Bad Breath
If you do not brush your teeth for a week or longer, plaque accumulation increases, resulting in bad breath. Medically known as halitosis, this bad smell originates from the accumulated plaque and decaying food particles.
Not brushing your teeth for a month or longer can lead to gum diseases. Gum diseases arise due to continual plaque accumulation, which over time leads to the formation of ‘super plaque’ that eventually turns into tartar. Tartar makes it difficult for toothbrushes to clean between the teeth and leads to inflammation of the gums.
The long-term effects of not brushing your teeth are not limited to oral health only. Deterioration in oral health can also impact your general health. For example, oral health problems can contribute to more serious health issues like heart diseases and diabetes. Therefore, developing the habit of regular tooth brushing is important for protecting both your oral and overall health.
Source: Healthline