What Happens When You Fall Asleep Without Brushing Your Teeth

Falling asleep without brushing your teeth is probably something that has happened to everyone at least once. Unfortunately, once is all it takes to start the process of developing a cavity.

The terrible truth about dental plaque is that it is fast-acting and sneaky. Plaque is filled with bacteria that create harmful acids when they metabolize the sugar in the foods that we eat. This acid byproduct is what causes tooth decay. Plaque can hide below the gumline and in between teeth, making it very hard to remove without a toothbrush and floss. If plaque is not removed in a timely manner, it will develop into tartar. It is not possible for us to remove tartar from our teeth without having it professionally removed by a dentist. Tartar acts like a safe haven for harmful bacteria, giving them shelter and unfettered access to the food particles that can get stuck in our teeth. If decay is able to penetrate the enamel and dentin, you will likely have a toothache and need to have a cavity filled. If decay reaches the nerve of your tooth, a root canal treatment will be the only way to save it.

If you fell asleep once without brushing your teeth, brush your teeth in the morning and try not to sweat it, just be sure to not let it turn into a habit. If you run your tongue along your teeth during the day you will notice the formation of plaque, and it only continues to accumulate if it is not removed before we go to sleep. So it is better to error on the side of caution and always remember to brush your teeth before you go to bed.

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