Can Not Brushing Your Teeth Make You Sick?
Published on 7/16/2025
As dentists, we recommend brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth and teeth and gums healthy. But can you get sick from not brushing your teeth? Skipping a day occasionally may not cause major issues, but not brushing regularly can lead to serious health problems. Over time, poor oral health can increase your risk of tooth damage, gum infections, and even systemic health issues.
Side Effects of Not Brushing Your Teeth
If you don't brush enough, plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. Plaque is bacteria build-up that forms a sticky film on your teeth and gums. Eventually, plaque can harden into tartar that can't be removed with regular brushing. This leads to periodontal disease, tooth loss, and other complications. A few different side effects of not brushing your teeth include:
Bad Breath
If you don't clean your teeth, your breath may smell pretty ripe. This is caused by food particles and bacteria building up on your teeth and tongue. In dentistry, bad breath is called halitosis. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps remove these particles and bacteria for fresher breath and better overall health.
Tooth Decay
When you don't scrub plaque away, bacteria feast on sugars in your mouth, producing acids that erode your tooth enamel. As a result, lingering plaque on your teeth can lead to cavities and toothaches. Untreated decay also contributes to long-term health problems.
Gum Disease
Plaque, tartar, and bacteria build-up near your gum line can cause inflamed and bleeding gums (aka gingivitis). Gingivitis is a reversible condition but, if left untreated, it progresses into more serious periodontal disease.
Periodontitis
Gingivitis can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis. This severe bacterial infection is caused by bacteria and tartar in the gums. Periodontitis can permanently damage the bones supporting your teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss. It also poses a higher risk to your immune system and overall health.
Longterm Health Risks of Not Brushing Your Teeth
Neglecting oral hygiene doesn’t just harm your smile—it can impact your entire body. Here’s how poor oral health can affect you:
- Heart disease: Bacteria from periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream, which increases your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease.
- Pneumonia: Tooth decay can eventually move to the lungs, increasing your risk of developing pneumonia. This is more likely if you have a weakened immune system.
- Blood sugar control: People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, which can also make it more difficult to control blood sugar.
- Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis. If left untreated, gum disease can increase the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth.
So, can bad teeth make you sick? Yes—untreated oral infections and inflammation can contribute to a range of serious health conditions.
Ready to Schedule A Dental Cleaning?
If you're worried you have bad teeth from not brushing, Dentologie is here to help. Dentologie locations throughout the Chicago area offer cleanings and preventative services for a healthy smile. Our compassionate dentists won't judge your brushing habits as they clean your teeth or treat dental issues.
Brushing and flossing daily, using fluoride toothpaste, and visiting your dentist regularly are simple ways to avoid long-term health complications.