There are many things that happen in your body if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. I want to go over these with you in order of least severe to most severe.
The first thing that happens to someone who does not brush their teeth is halitosis, i.e. bad breath. Food particles stuck in between the teeth start to decompose in the mouth and give off a bad odor.
If bad dental hygiene continues, it can lead to periodontal disease. The tooth starts to deteriorate and starts to loosen, and it will eventually fall out. In fact, 25% of US adults over 65 have lost all of their teeth.
Furthermore, high levels of disease-causing bacteria in the mouth can lead to clogging arteries and increased risk of stroke. Bacteria from periodontal disease can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and can aggravate respiratory systems. These bacteria can also inflame blood cells block blood flow- this can even cause erectile dysfunction.
There is also a connection between periodontal disease and adults who have diabetes. In fact, 95% of US adults who have diabetes also have periodontal disease. Additionally, it has been found that people with periodontal disease are 2 times as likely to develop heart disease.
So, be sure to brush and floss daily! Also, make sure to get regular cleanings at the dentist to ensure you don’t develop periodontal disease.