In this world full of people with individual opinions and perceptions, it is natural for myths and misconceptions to do its rounds. As a result, it often becomes difficult to separate fact from fiction. So is the case when it comes to oral health. Let’s debunk some of the most popular myths regarding oral health – we’ll be introducing you to the facts on how to maintain your teeth and gums for optimal health.
1. Brushing Your Teeth Hard Makes them Cleaner
This is one of the more widespread ones. However, in reality, brushing your teeth too hard can do you more harm than good. Doing so can damage your teeth as it can lead to the erosion of the protective layer of enamel on the surface of the teeth. It can also affect your gums, causing them to bleed or even recede in some cases. It is advisable to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush without applying too much pressure.
2. You Can Avoid Flossing if you Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Many people skip the flossing part thinking that brushing regularly will alone be sufficient to maintain good dental hygiene. However, this cannot be farther from the truth. Brushing and flossing accomplish different tasks of your dental hygiene routine. Toothbrushes often can’t clean the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth such as the space between the teeth. Flossing, on the other hand, can help you remove food particles and debris which can cause the development of bacteria and can eventually lead to cavities or tooth decay.
3. Sugar Rots Your Teeth
We have been listening to this since we were little, probably to keep us from having too much of our favourite lollipops and sweets. But the fact is that the amount of sugar a child (or an adult for that matter) has, isn’t the real culprit. The real problem lies in how long that sugar stays on your teeth. So, if you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and follow decent oral hygiene, those sweet treats aren’t much of a problem for your teeth.
4. It is Advisable to Avoid a Dentist During Pregnancy
Many women avoid seeing a dentist even for their regularly scheduled appointments. They are most concerned about receiving dental x-rays citing the harmful effects of radiation on the baby. However, dentists are trained professionals and are well-equipped to handle and care for the oral health of a pregnant woman. Moreover, dramatic hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your oral health. It becomes all the more important to see your dentist during this time.
5. Chewing Gum is a Plausible Alternative to Brushing
Quite a few people tend to substitute brushing with chewing gum when they are running short of time. However, this practice can hardly be deemed ideal. Whilst chewing gum has its share of benefits such as encouraging the production of saliva and washing away acid and sugar build-up on the teeth, it cannot offer the same results as brushing.
6. You Need to go to a Dentist Only When Something is Wrong
Whether it is dental anxiety or lack of awareness, nothing can justify avoiding a trip to your dentist for a regular check-up, even when it seems to be fine with your oral health. Regular check-ups with your dentist are more like preventive care that helps identify any potential issues and address them early before they become severe and lead to pain and discomfort. It’s recommended to visit your dentist twice a year even if you don’t have any oral health issues.
7. Diabetics Don’t Require any Special Dental Care
People generally aren’t aware of the fact that diabetes and oral health are closely linked. In some people, the cause of gum diseases can be traced to their issues with blood sugar. It becomes important for people with diabetes to receive special dental care under the guidance of a qualified dentist.
8. Teeth Whitening can Damage Your Enamel
It is believed by many that teeth whitening can lead to erosion of your enamel. At the root of this belief is probably some non-professional whitening solutions that do in fact harm your teeth and gums. However, professional teeth whitening performed under the supervision of a dentist is quite effective and safe.
9. Gum Diseases are Rare and Only Affect the Mouth
Studies in the UK suggest that some 50% to 90% of adults are affected by some degree of gingivitis. This tells us that gum diseases are anything but rare. Moreover, people often assume that gum diseases affect only the mouth. But it is important to understand that the mouth is the entryway to the rest of the body. Hence, gum diseases can often be linked to other health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
10. Regular Dental Cleaning and Deep Cleaning are the Same
Normally people aren’t aware of the fact that regular cleaning and deep cleaning are two different treatments. When the gum disease starts causing more severe damage or bone loss has started, deep cleaning is required. A deep cleaning and subsequent treatments help prevent any further damage to the gums or the bones. Regular cleaning, on the other hand, is for those with no to minimal signs of any form of gum disease.
Hopefully, debunking these dental myths would have given you some clarity. With this, we hope to make you more aware and informed about your oral health. It will help you avoid oral health problems in the future.
If you still have any concerns to share or are looking for a trusted dentist near you, we at Perfect Smile will be more than happy to cater to all your needs. To book an appointment with us, contact your nearest practice today.
