New Patients 336.506.6545

Current Patients 336.697.0618

5706 McLeansville Road McLeansville, NC 27301

What Happens If You Skip Teeth Brushing?

We learn from a young age that a proper oral hygiene routine includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Rinsing with mouthwash can keep your mouth even cleaner and therefore healthier.

If you forget to brush your teeth, your oral health can begin to deteriorate very quickly. Dr. Quinn Woodruff, a dentist in McLeansville, NC, describes what occurs in your mouth if you skip brushing your teeth.

brushing your teeth in McLeansville North Carolina

Bad Breath

The human mouth contains many kinds of bacteria that develop a film of plaque over teeth throughout the day. Brushing your teeth removes this film, keeping teeth clean and preventing bacteria from harming your teeth or gums.

If plaque remains on your teeth, the bacteria will continue to react with substances in your mouth. This can create an unpleasant taste in your mouth as well as bad breath that can cause you to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Regular oral hygiene practices both protect your teeth and freshen your breath.

Cavities

Poor oral hygiene can cause structural damage to your teeth too. Over time, plaque can harden to tartar and weaken tooth enamel.

If enamel is not strong enough to fight bacteria, your teeth can be vulnerable to decay, resulting in cavities. Some patients may notice tooth sensitivity if they have a cavity, but others might not experience any symptoms.

Your dentist can find and treat cavities with fillings during a routine exam, but advanced decay may require restorative dental treatments, such as a dental crown. Proper oral hygiene removes plaque build-up and stops this kind of dental harm.

Gum Disease

Skipped oral hygiene routines allow bacteria to spread more freely through your mouth. Increased amounts of bacteria raise your risk for oral infections like gum disease.

Infected gums can present as sore, swollen, or bleeding gums, and even if you find these symptoms manageable, the disease can cause major damage to your teeth. Your dentist can treat this disease with periodontal therapy, but you can prevent receding gums and tooth loss with good oral hygiene habits.

Treat Bleeding Gums and More in McLeansville, NC

McLeansville Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers periodontal therapy to treat bleeding gums for patients in McLeansville, NC. Dr. Woodruff specializes in restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 336.506.6545.