What Happens When You Only Brush Your Teeth Once a Day?
Dental experts, including the American Dental Association (ADA), have consistently said the importance of brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush. However, despite these recommendations, about one-third of Americans admit to brushing just once a day, according to the ADA and Delta Dental. This begs the question: what happens when you brush your teeth only once a day? Is it enough to keep your mouth healthy, or are you putting your dental health at risk? Keep reading to find out.
Your Mouth Is a Breeding Ground for Bacteria, and Brushing Keeps Them in Check
According to the National Institutes of Health, your mouth is home to 700 hundreds of different types of bacteria. While some of these bacteria are harmless, others can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Brushing your teeth specifically helps to remove food particles and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, reducing the likelihood of these oral health issues. If you only brush once a day, you give harmful bacteria more time to grow and multiply. This can lead to plaque buildup, which is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth.
You Increase Your Odds of Tooth Decay and Cavities by Not Brushing Enough
Plaque isn’t just an annoying film on your teeth; it’s also one of the primary culprits behind permanent tooth decay and cavities. When plaque isn’t removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Plaque and tartar can erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to cavities. Brushing only once a day means plaque has a full 24 hours to do its dirty work, increasing your risk of developing cavities.
Gum Disease Can Develop If Plaque Isn’t Removed Twice Daily
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is another major consequence of inadequate brushing. The Disease National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research defines gum disease as an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. If plaque isn’t removed, it can cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed. In the early stages, this is called gingivitis, and it’s reversible with proper oral hygiene. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can basically lead to tooth loss.
Brushing twice a day helps to keep plaque under control, reducing your risk of gum disease. If you only brush once a day, you’re more likely to experience the symptoms of gum disease, such as red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Bad Breath Can Become a Daily Struggle Without Proper Brushing
Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, food particles can get stuck between your teeth and along your gum line. These particles can begin to rot, causing a foul smell. Additionally, the bacteria in your mouth produce sulfur compounds, which contribute to bad breath. Brushing your teeth twice a day generally helps to remove these food particles and bacteria, keeping your breath fresh. If you only brush once a day, you may find that bad breath becomes a more frequent issue.
Plaque Buildup Can Lead to Tooth Discoloration
If you’re concerned about keeping your teeth white, brushing just once a day might not be enough. Plaque buildup can cause your teeth to become discolored over time. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that can erode your tooth enamel, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath. This can give your teeth a yellowish tint. Additionally, if you consume staining foods and beverages, such as tomato sauce, soy sauce, coffee, tea, or red wine, brushing only once a day may not be sufficient to keep those stains at bay.
Tooth Sensitivity May Worsen with Inadequate Brushing
If you’ve ever experienced that sharp, sudden pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet, you know how uncomfortable tooth sensitivity can be. Tooth sensitivity is more commonly caused by exposed dentin, the layer of tissue beneath your tooth enamel. When plaque erodes your enamel, it can expose the dentin, making your teeth more sensitive. Brushing twice a day helps to remove plaque and protect your enamel, reducing the risk of tooth sensitivity. However, if you only brush once a day, plaque has more time to damage your enamel, potentially making tooth sensitivity worse.
Brushing Once a Day Might Not Be Enough to Protect Against Oral Infections
In addition to cavities and gum disease, inadequate brushing can also increase your likelihood of developing other oral infections. For example, if you have a weakened immune system, you’re more susceptible to infections caused by the bacteria in your mouth. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day, which typically helps to keep bacterial levels in check, reducing your risk of developing infections such as oral thrush or abscesses. If you only brush once a day, you might not be doing enough to protect yourself against these potential health issues.
Your Overall Health Can Be Affected by Poor Oral Hygiene
It’s not just your teeth and gums that are at stake when you don’t brush enough—your overall health can be affected, too. The American Heart Association suggests that there is a connection between oral health and heart disease. Poor oral hygiene can lead to the spread of bacteria from your mouth to other parts of your body, including your heart. This can increase your risk of developing endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart. Additionally, some studies have suggested a link between gum disease and conditions such as diabetes and respiratory infections.
Brushing Once a Day May Not Be Enough to Prevent Plaque Build-Up in Hard-to-Reach Areas
Your toothbrush can only reach so many places in your mouth, and some areas are more prone to plaque buildup than others. These areas include the back of your mouth, along the gumline, and between your teeth. Brushing twice a day, in fact, helps to ensure that you’re removing plaque from all areas of your mouth, reducing your odds of cavities and gum disease. If you only brush once a day, you might not be giving these hard-to-reach areas the attention they need, increasing your risk of oral health issues.
The Bottom Line
Brushing your teeth only once a day can have serious consequences for your oral health. While it might seem like a small change to your routine, it can lead to an increased chance of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and more. Brushing twice a day, along with flossing and regular dental check-ups, is paramount for keeping your mouth healthy and your smile bright.
If you’re struggling to brush twice a day, consider setting reminders on your phone or brushing at the same time every day to build a habit.
