What Happens When You Don’t Brush for a Week?

By Vanshika Gaur
12 Jun 2025, 15:00 IST

Skipping brushing for even a week can seriously impact your oral health. From sticky plaque to gum diseases, it can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and more. Here’s what happens when we don’t brush our teeth for a week. Tap to know!

Sticky Plaque

Sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth by day two. This biofilm settles on enamel and gums leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Bad Breath

Without brushing, food particles and bacteria remain in your mouth, leading to persistent bad breath (halitosis).

Swollen Gums

Plaque can also irritate your gums, making them red and puffy that can bleed when you eat or smile.

Yellow Teeth

Not brushing for a week can also turn your white teeth into dull, yellow, or even brownish colour due to built-up plaque and food stains.

Cavities

When plaque sits for too long, the bacteria in it release acids damaging the enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Gum Diseases

Gum diseases like periodontitis, a serious infection that damages bone and tissue, can also occur when we don’t brush for a week.

Affects Overall Health

Bacteria from untreated gum infections can enter your bloodstream increasing the risk of heart problems, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, not brushing for weeks can affect overall health, lead to gum disease, and more. It is advisable to consult a dentist for personalised suggestions.