• Question: You said that we can die from not brushing our teeth, but how is that possible?

    Asked by ejrw to Adam on 12 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Adam Stevens

      Adam Stevens answered on 12 Mar 2012:

      I wondered whether you would ask this!

      What happens is that by not brushing your teeth they gather bacteria and other nasty bits. The bacteria attack the teeth and gums and can cause real problems.

      However, if it’s not treated it can get a lot worse as the bacteria can get into your bloodstream and move around the body, or give you a full body infection, which could then kill you.

      Here’s a news story about a real case:

      http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/man-s-tooth-infection-proves-fatal-1.465056

      So animals that get infections in their mouths can often die if it’s not picked up and treated by their owner or a vet.

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