Basic dental hygiene procedures such as brushing and flossing are a few things that most people include in their daily routine, but that doesn’t mean that they’re doing it right. With that said, here are nine dental care myths that need to be debunked today:
MYTH #1: Flossing is unnecessary.
Brushing your teeth gets rid of the stains and plaque buildup on the surface of the teeth, but not those that are stuck between them. Even if you spend up to ten minutes brushing your teeth — not that you should do that — you won’t be able to get to all the stains that are hidden in the corners and edges of your pearly whites. Therefore, you need to make sure you know how to brush your teeth properly and do that in conjunction with regular flossing.
MYTH #2: Brushing hard is always the best way to keep your teeth clean.
Overbrushing can cause the surface layer of the enamel to become worn, which can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. You are much better off using a gentle brush with soft bristles and learning proper brushing motions, as that won’t damage the surface of your teeth.
MYTH #3: Avoid brushing and flossing when your gums are bleeding.
There are many reasons as to why your gums may be bleeding, one of which is inflammation caused by the harmful bacteria in your gums. This problem can be treated by flossing, as that will help to get rid of the food particles on the sides of your teeth to prevent bacteria from growing.
MYTH #4: You only have to brush and floss seriously before going to the dentist.
There are many signs that indicate the condition of your dental health and what you have been doing to your teeth, so you won’t get off that easily. It’s always best to be honest to your dentist about your habits so that they can help to find a better solution for your needs.
MYTH #5: Sugar is the cause of all cavities.
While sugar is indeed harmful to your teeth, you still need to be aware of other things that can cause damage to them. For example, starchy foods such as potato and rice can get stuck on your teeth and do quite a bit of damage. Therefore, it’s crucial that you brush your teeth properly no matter what you’re eating.
MYTH #6: You should brush and floss right after eating or drinking anything.
You should immediately brush your teeth after eating extremely sticky or sweet foods such as chocolate and caramel. Other than that, there aren’t that many types of foods that require you to brush your teeth immediately afterward. You should avoid brushing your teeth after eating acidic foods or drinks, as you will need to wait for the acids and sugar to wear off as to not damage the surface of the enamel.
MYTH #7: If you’re not experiencing pain, you don’t have to go to the dentist.
When it comes to dental health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. It’s best if you go to see the dentist before the issue gets worse. Severe dental problems can be excruciating and costly to treat, so it’s always a better idea that you do it before that becomes the case.
MYTH #8: Sugar-free and diet soda don’t damage your teeth.
As mentioned, sugar is not the only thing that can damage your teeth, as carbon dioxide and other acidic substances can harm the surface as well. If you want to drink soda, we recommend that you drink with a straw so that your teeth don’t come into contact with the acidic fluids.
MYTH #9: Dissolving aspirin into a paste and applying it on your teeth can reduce pain.
Aspirin is acidic when dissolved in water. This means that when you apply it directly to the enamel of your pearly whites, it will make the problem even worse. If you do this regularly, you may end up exposing the dentin layer, causing you to experience some sensitivity on your teeth. Plus, this won’t do anything for the pain – that’s not how aspirin works. If you want temporary relief from pain, just take the pill instead.
Icon Dental Center is a dental office in Seattle, if you’re looking for a new local dentist in Seattle, come to visit us today!