What Happens if You Only Brush Your Teeth Once in a Day?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day. Ideally, one of these brushings should be before you hit the hay for the night. Although it may seem that brushing your teeth once a day may be enough to do the job, skipping that additional brushing can have serious implications for your dental and overall health.

Bad Breath

• Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by the volatile sulfur compounds that are produced when you neglect brushing. A good brushing removes food particles from the teeth, gums and tongue. When you do not brush, the particles remain in the mouth. Eventually the bacteria that exist in your mouth will interact with the particles, creating the sulfur compounds and resulting in bad breath. Besides brushing your teeth, brush your tongue and floss with each brushing.

Gum Disease

• By only brushing your teeth once a day, you increase the amount of plaque left in your mouth. Plaque is a mix of bacteria that causes a sticky film on the teeth. When plaque first starts to develop, it can be easily removed with brushing. Without regular brushing, the plaque remains and hardens, creating tartar. This tartar can creep up to the gums and cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis is characterized by bleeding gums, and periodontal disease can lead to infection and permanent tooth loss.

Cavities

• According to Kids Health, cavities can occur when your teeth are not brushed regularly. When food and bacteria are left in your mouth, there is an increased chance of acid build-up. As the acid collects, it weakens the enamel and can cause a hole in the tooth. A cavity may be painless, but it also might lead to toothaches if left untreated. WebMD reports that in severe cases, a cavity can cause a visible hole in the tooth. Cavities can be treated with fillings and crowns, although if the decay is significant enough, a more invasive root canal may be needed.

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

• Your oral health can affect the health of your heart. A 2010 study conducted by researchers at the University College London found that there is a direct link between the number of times you brush your teeth and heart disease. Looking at survey data of 11,000 adults, the researchers discovered that those who brushed only once each day had a 70 percent higher risk of heart disease than those who brushed twice a day. Lack of brushing can lead to inflammation in the mouth and gums, which can then lead to a build-up in your arteries.