Here's What Happens If You Stopped Brushing Your Teeth

Insider Science
23 Sept 201803:09
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script introduces Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that resides in the mouth and feeds on sugar and protein from food, leading to the formation of biofilm. If oral hygiene is neglected, this can result in gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. The implications extend beyond oral health, as poor dental care is linked to chronic kidney disease, increased risk of dementia, and a higher likelihood of certain cancers. The narrative underscores the importance of regular tooth brushing for overall health.

Takeaways
  • 🦠 Streptococcus mutans, also known as Strep, is a bacterium that resides in the human mouth.
  • 🍬 Strep and similar bacteria feed on sugar and protein from food, leading to the formation of a biofilm on teeth.
  • 🦷 Biofilm is a slimy substance that covers teeth and results from bacterial activity, but it's not harmful if regularly removed through brushing.
  • 🚫 Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing enough, can lead to an accumulation of food particles and an increase in bacteria, including Strep.
  • 🔥 The buildup of bacteria can irritate and inflame the gums, leading to conditions like gingivitis, which may progress to periodontal disease.
  • 🛡️ The immune system's response to fight bacteria can create a hostile environment, but it can also damage surrounding tissues and bones.
  • 🦴 If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause loss of tissue and bone, leading to teeth detachment and eventual tooth loss.
  • 👵 About 10% of Americans aged 50-64 may lose all their teeth due to periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene.
  • 💔 Strep and other bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to organs, potentially leading to chronic diseases like kidney disease.
  • 🧠 Poor oral hygiene, specifically not brushing daily, has been linked to a higher risk of dementia in retirement-age individuals.
  • 🚫 Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, is crucial for preventing gum disease and the associated systemic health risks.
Q & A

  • What is Streptococcus mutans?

    -Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium that resides in the human oral cavity and is known to play a significant role in the development of dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay.

  • How does Streptococcus mutans contribute to biofilm formation on teeth?

    -Streptococcus mutans, along with other bacteria, feeds off sugar and protein in food, excreting a slimy substance that contributes to the formation of biofilm, a bacteria-laden environment on the teeth.

  • What are the potential systemic health risks associated with poor dental hygiene and biofilm accumulation?

    -Poor dental hygiene and biofilm accumulation can lead to gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Additionally, bacteria like Streptococcus mutans can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to organs, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease, dementia, and certain cancers.

  • How does the immune system respond to bacterial infection in the mouth?

    -The immune system sends fighter cells to battle the bacteria, creating a hostile environment for them. However, this response can also damage nearby tissue and bone, contributing to the progression of periodontal disease.

  • What is the significance of biofilm in the context of dental health?

    -Biofilm is a slimy film formed by bacteria that can adhere to teeth. While a small amount of biofilm is normal, excessive accumulation due to poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

  • What is the role of sugar in the development of dental caries?

    -Sugar serves as a food source for bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. The bacteria feed on sugar, producing acidic substances that can demineralize tooth enamel and lead to the formation of cavities.

  • How can regular brushing help prevent the negative effects of Streptococcus mutans and biofilm?

    -Regular brushing helps remove biofilm and food particles from the teeth, reducing the environment in which Streptococcus mutans and other bacteria can thrive. This helps prevent the development of dental caries and gum disease.

  • What is the connection between periodontal disease and tooth loss?

    -Periodontal disease leads to the destruction of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, including bone. As a result, teeth lose their structural support and may eventually fall out due to the lack of stability.

  • What percentage of Americans between ages 50-64 have lost all their teeth?

    -About 10% of Americans between the ages of 50-64 have lost all of their teeth, which can be attributed to poor dental hygiene and the progression of periodontal disease.

  • How does the risk of chronic kidney disease relate to periodontal disease?

    -Research has shown that individuals with periodontal disease are four and a half times more likely to have chronic kidney disease, suggesting a potential link between oral health and overall systemic health.

  • What is the recommended daily time for brushing teeth to maintain good oral hygiene?

    -To maintain good oral hygiene, it is recommended to brush teeth for an additional four minutes per day, ensuring thorough cleaning and reduction of biofilm.

Outlines
00:00
🦠 Introduction to Streptococcus Mutans and Dental Health

The paragraph introduces Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium commonly found in the human mouth, which feeds on sugar and protein from food, leading to the formation of a biofilm on teeth. It explains that while a small amount of biofilm is harmless, neglecting oral hygiene can lead to serious dental and health issues. The biofilm, if left uncleaned, can cause gum inflammation and bleeding, trigger immune responses that damage tissues and bones, and eventually lead to periodontal disease. The consequences of poor dental hygiene are severe, including tooth loss and increased risks of chronic kidney disease, dementia, and certain cancers. The importance of regular brushing for maintaining overall health is emphasized.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Streptococcus mutans
Streptococcus mutans, also known as Strep, is a type of bacterium that resides in the human mouth. It feeds on the sugar and protein found in food, and is a primary culprit in the formation of dental plaque or biofilm. In the video, it is personified as a slob, illustrating how its presence and activity can lead to various dental and health issues if oral hygiene is neglected.
💡Bacteria
Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that can be found in various environments, including the human body. In the context of the video, certain bacteria like Streptococcus mutans are harmful when they accumulate on teeth, leading to biofilm formation and subsequent dental diseases.
💡Biofilm
Biofilm is a slimy substance that forms on surfaces, in this case, teeth, as a result of bacterial activity. It consists of a community of bacteria that are stuck together and to a surface, and it can be harmful if not regularly removed through proper dental care, as it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
💡Dental plaque
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on teeth, containing bacteria, saliva, and food debris. It is the primary cause of tooth decay and gum disease, as it can harden into tartar if not removed through regular brushing and flossing, as mentioned in the video.
💡Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. In the video, it is presented as a consequence of poor oral hygiene, where the buildup of biofilm and bacteria irritate the gumline, leading to this condition.
💡Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is a severe gum infection that can lead to the destruction of the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. The video emphasizes that this condition can develop from untreated gingivitis, eventually causing teeth to fall out due to the loss of structural support.
💡Immune system
The immune system is the body's defense mechanism against foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. In the video, it is mentioned that when an infection occurs due to biofilm buildup, the immune system responds by sending fighter cells to battle the bacteria, which can also lead to damage in the surrounding tissue and bone.
💡Chronic diseases
Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that can be managed but not cured. The video highlights that periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain chronic diseases, such as kidney disease, demonstrating the far-reaching effects of poor oral health.
💡Dementia
Dementia is a progressive neurological disease that affects cognitive function, memory, and social abilities. The video references a study that found a correlation between poor oral hygiene and an increased risk of dementia, particularly in older adults.
💡Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The video mentions that there is an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer for individuals with periodontal disease, underscoring the importance of maintaining good oral health.
💡Oral hygiene
Oral hygiene refers to the practice of maintaining good health of the mouth and teeth to prevent dental and oral diseases. The video emphasizes the critical role of regular brushing and flossing in preventing the buildup of biofilm and the associated health risks, highlighting that taking care of one's teeth is worth the extra time and effort.
Highlights

Streptococcus mutans, also known as Strep, is a bacterium that resides in the human mouth.

Strep and similar bacteria feed off sugar and protein from food, leading to a slimy excretion on teeth known as biofilm.

Biofilm, while generally harmless, can lead to severe dental and health issues if not regularly removed through brushing.

Nearly half of Americans do not brush their teeth sufficiently, risking the buildup of food particles and bacteria.

Irritation and inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, can result from the accumulation of bacteria near the gumline.

Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, a more severe condition leading to tissue and bone death.

The loss of tissue and bone support can cause gums to separate from teeth, creating pockets for bacteria to thrive.

Periodontal disease significantly increases the risk of tooth loss, affecting 10% of Americans aged 50-64.

Strep and associated bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing damage to various organs.

Individuals with periodontal disease are 4.5 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease.

A study linked poor dental hygiene, specifically not brushing daily, to a 65% increased risk of dementia in retirement communities.

There is an increased risk of certain cancers associated with poor oral hygiene.

While the mentioned risks can be due to overall poor hygiene, the importance of brushing teeth is emphasized for maintaining health.

Brushing teeth is worth the extra time invested, as it prevents various health issues related to oral hygiene.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Plaque vs Tartar - How To Remove

HOW TO STOP GUM DISEASE AND BLEEDING AT HOME (Fix Gingivitis And Gum Pain, 5 Simple Steps)

Gingivitis and periodontitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

What If We Stop Brushing Teeth? | Why Do We BRUSH TEETH? | Dr Binocs Show | Peekaboo Kidz

TARTAR from teeth - Causes, prevention and how to REMOVE dental PLAQUE and calculus | Dentalk! ©

Taking care of your teeth - All the things you need to know

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Oral HealthDisease PreventionBacterial InfectionGum DiseaseTooth DecayImmune ResponseHealth RisksDaily HygieneLongevityChronic Illness