You’re in a rush in the morning, and you forget to brush your teeth before you head out the door. Instead, you pop a mint in your mouth and call it good. Or, it’s bedtime and you’re exhausted after a long day at work. You decide that it just takes too much time and energy to brush your teeth before you head into dreamland. Skipping this part of your routine isn’t a big deal, right? Wrong! Taking a brush to those pearly whites at least twice a day is crucial for your oral health. Your dentist in Harris County discusses why this is so.
Bacteria Builds Up
At any given time, there are about 70 types of bacteria in your mouth. Most of these microscopic critters are harmless, and some are even helpful. However, there are a few varieties whose mission is to attack your teeth. Bacteria interacts with the food you eat (particularly sugar) and forms a film on your teeth — plaque.
It’s important to brush away plaque soon after it forms because if it gets to hang out on your teeth for too long, it hardens into tartar, which is very difficult to remove. Brushing at night is particularly important because saliva production slows down while you’re asleep, and saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against villainous, decay-causing bacteria.
No One Wants Bad Breath
Bacteria and food particles cause odors, and odors cause embarrassment and social problems. You don’t want to be the guy who other people shy away from because your breath stinks. Brushing cleans out the ickiness and helps you go about your day with confidence.
Brushing Fight Stains
A beautiful smile is a symbol of the beautiful person behind it. You don’t want people to get the wrong impression of you because your teeth look bad. Brushing alone won’t give you dazzlingly white chompers, but it will remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking decent.
If you want an even brighter white, your family dentist in Harris County will be happy to help. Keep in mind, though, that your teeth need to be healthy before you can get a professional whitening treatment.
A Healthy Mouth Means a Healthy You!
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the primary ways you can prevent gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and chronic bad breath if it is advances far enough. Even worse, gum disease is a killer — literally. It can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, it can make diabetes more difficult to control, and it may even play a role in causing dementia.
Brushing your teeth is vital! Please find 2 – 3 minutes twice a day, every day, to give your pearly whites the TLC they deserve.
About Hamilton Family Dentistry
The dentists, hygienists, and other staff at Hamilton Family Dentistry are proud to care for smiles in our community. If you have questions about oral hygiene or anything related to the health of your teeth and gums, please contact us at 706-628-0011.
