This just in! It turns out that Jessica Simpson’s personal dentist was as shocked by the rest of the world when she recently revealed her poor oral hygiene habits.  From a People.com article:

Last week, while appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the singer revealed that she brushes her teeth only about three times a week.

“My teeth are so white and I don’t like them to feel too slippery, but I do use Listerine and I do floss everyday,” she told DeGeneres. “But I don’t brush them everyday. I’ll use a shirt or something … I know it’s gross, but I always have fresh breath.”

While we agree with Simpson’s dentist that flossing is a great addition to her daily oral health regimin, there really are dire consequences if you do not develop the habit of brushing your teeth at least two times a day. Here is a list of the harmful effects of not brushing your teeth we wish Jessica knew about.

Harmful Effect #1: Cavities

Fluoride is one of the main ingredients of many brands of toothpaste. It is instrumental in preventing cavities from forming. Brushing your before bedtime and first thing in the morning provides your teeth with enough fluoride to coat them 24/7 for protection against cavities.

Harmful Effect #2: Bacteria Buildup

Infrequent brushing may lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria cause damage to the enamel of your teeth. Merely gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash can be ineffective in removing all of the bacteria buildup.  Brushing and flossing regularly will ensure they

Harmful Effect #3: Tartar

Tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque that builds up above or below the gums, and can lead to gum irritation, cavities, and gum disease. If plaque has not yet hardened into tartar, it can be removed by regular brushing and flossing. However, once tartar is formed, you will need a dentist’s help to get rid of it.

Harmful Effect #4: Gum Diseases

Brushing your teeth twice a day also keeps gums healthy and prevents conditions such as periodontal diseases, tooth sensitivity, tooth shifting, and even tooth loss. Once gum disease sets in treatments include plaque removal in the dentist office, prescription mouth rinses to kill bacteria, and potential surgery for more severe cases.

Harmful Effect #5: Gum Diseases

If left untreated, the bacteria causing a gum disease can enter your bloodstream and negatively affect your overall health. Conditions that can be linked to poor oral health include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and premature or low birth weight babies.

So, like Jessica Simpson, do you still doubt the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day?