Is Forgetting to Brush your Teeth Before Bed Really that Bad?

Here’s one scenario we know all too well: Get home from the full-time job with a dinner to prep, dishes to wash, children to tuck in, exercise to be accomplished, and a television show to sneak in to keep your sanity. By the time the long-list is checked off, you lazily fall into bed without brushing your pearly whites. You quietly think to yourself, “It’s just one night. What’s the worst that can happen?” 

We’re here to let you know, it happens to the best of us! But there are some things to be mindful of if skipping your nightly brush becomes a habit:

1. Plaque

Skipping your second brush in the evening means that the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks you’ve had throughout the day stick around and between your teeth. As a result of this bacteria build-up, plaque begins to harden and calcify on your teeth. Once plaque has calcified, a toothbrush and floss can no longer fix the problem and a hygienist has to step in for a proper tooth cleaning.

2. Cavities

We’ve all heard it, but it’s true. The consistent build up of plaque can lead to cavities. Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are the destruction of your tooth enamel; the hard, outer layer of your teeth. A cavity can be filled, but remember, fillings don’t last forever. Eventually they will need refilled, and, at some point, you’ll have to get the tooth capped. This equates to a big expense when brushing and flossing twice a day could generally prevent the entire problem.

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease is a worst case scenario, but nonetheless something to be aware of. The first sign of gum problems is when your gums bleed during brushing and flossing. While brushing only once a day is definitely not recommended, if you only brush once, doing it at night gives you a better chance of avoiding cavities and gum disease. The biggest consequence of gum disease is the likelihood of losing your teeth and having to consider very expensive implants.

So, the next time you’re snuggled into bed realizing you forgot to brush your teeth, think of these potential risks and take the two minutes to get out of bed and brush! You and the people around you won’t be sorry.