Just Once: What’s Wrong with Brushing Once a Day?

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When you had a hectic day and the urge to sleep is stronger than anything else, it's likely that you may go to bed without brushing your teeth. You may have done this once or twice and are lucky enough not to experience any adverse effect besides a smelly morning breath. This may then cause you to think that it's okay to do it again and just give your teeth a good brush the next day.

What’s Your Schedule?

ORA Dental and other dental care centers note that while it's unlikely for you to get cavities or gum disease if you have unintentionally forgotten to brush before bed, brushing once a day is never an ideal schedule. This is true even if you’re planning to give your teeth a good brush by the time you wake up. It's best to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time for a better chance of preventing dental problems.

Greater Risks of Problems

If you have a once-a-day schedule when brushing your teeth, you're at a greater risk of developing cavities or gum disease. If left untreated, cavities can grow bigger and weaken the tooth from the inside. Gum disease, on the other hand, may cause your gums to bleed and become inflamed. Without proper treatment, this can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.

Others May Smell it

While other people may not notice that you haven’t brushed your teeth, they might smell it. Do take note that failure to brush — along with improper techniques like brushing too quickly — can still result in plaque buildup that may give off an unpleasant smell. Chewing gums or drinking water is not enough to solve the problem, as you need to brush your teeth the right way.

Don’t succumb to the temptation of not brushing your teeth even if you’re tired, as the risks are not worth it. If your teeth are not in good condition, you can benefit from visiting a dental care center for checkups and professional cleaning. This can also help address cavities, gum disease, and other oral health care issues before they get worse.

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