Are you guilty of skipping one of the two brushings you are instructed to do each day? If you are like most Americans, probably so. While it might seem harmless, skipping a brushing is not only damaging to your teeth and gums, but it’s actually quite gross. If you want to prevent having to spend your hard-earned money on dental work and keep more of it in your pocket, listen to a dentist in Allentown who explains what can happen if you opt out of brushing your teeth.

The Negative Impact of Missing a Brushing

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day. So much bacteria and food particles build up on your pearly whites and soft tissues that it’s imperative you remove these harmful bits from your mouth at least in the morning and before you go to bed.

But what if you miss one of these brushings? Well, there are a few things that can happen over time:

• Gum disease – When you forgo brushing your teeth in the morning or at night, all that bacteria sits on your teeth and gums and can begin to cause plaque buildup. When this happens, your gums may become red, inflamed, and begin to bleed. The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which can easily be reversed with a professional cleaning and practicing good oral hygiene at home. However, if left untreated, gum disease can progress into periodontitis, which can lead to tooth and bone loss.
• Cavities – The same bacteria that causes gum disease can also eat away at the enamel of your teeth, creating holes otherwise known as cavities. If caught at this stage, your dentist in Allentown will recommend a filling, but if the bacteria continues to eat through the dentin and pulp layers of your tooth, this can result in needing a root canal or worse, a tooth extraction.
• Bad breath – If you want to keep everyone within arm’s length (or more), don’t bother brushing your teeth. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, develops when bacteria builds on the tongue. If not removed with brushing or a tongue scraper, it can lead to bad breath and ultimately, multiple excuses from friends to hang out “another time.”

How to Ensure You Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, there are a few things you can do to ensure you brush your teeth every morning and before you go to bed at night. These include:

• Setting a timer – Use your phone to set an alarm each morning and every night to remind yourself to brush your teeth.
• Reward yourself – Set a goal. If you manage to brush your teeth, both morning and night, for a full week or full month, reward yourself. Just don’t go overboard with too many sweets.
• Opt for an electric toothbrush – Some people find that manual brushes require too much effort. Most electric toothbrushes nowadays come with an automated timer to make sure you are brushing for a full two minutes. The brush does everything for you, just turn it on and move it around in your mouth (correctly). Never apply too much pressure or you’ll damage your teeth and gums.

Brushing is a crucial step in your oral hygiene routine. Take the time to maintain a healthier smile, and years from now, you’ll be glad you did.

About the Author
Dr. Bradford Young attended Villanova University, graduating in 1999, before going on to receive his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School in 2002. Serving patients at his own practice for more than 12 years, he and his team of expert professionals take pride in offering preventive services to keep smiles healthy and long-lasting. To find out more about our services, contact us at (610) 439-1363.