Common Dental Care Myths

 

Common Dental Care Myths

Oral healthcare is an important cornerstone of your general health. Unfortunately, poor early education and a lack of resources make it difficult for many American families to maintain their oral health. 


Common Dental Care Myths

Nonprofits like the Giving a Smile Foundation work hard to overcome these barriers for underprivileged families. They provide informational classes as well as complimentary dental care for qualifying children, but common dental myths continue to undermine some of these efforts. 


These are the most common dental myths that could be negatively affecting your community. 


Brushing Hard Is More Effective

Brushing with a lot of force is actually worse for your teeth. Toothbrushes are designed with soft bristles to prevent damage to your enamel. 


Brushing too hard will damage your enamel and your gums. This damage actually makes your teeth and gums more vulnerable to decay and infection. 


Flossing Isn’t Important

Flossing is the only effective way to clean just under the edge of your gums. As a result, it is a very important part of your daily oral hygiene routine. 


Without regular flossing your gums are more likely to become infected. This could lead to gum disease and the possibility of tooth loss. 


Bleeding Gums Are Normal

Bleeding gums are not usually normal. While your gums may bleed more easily during pregnancy thanks to increased blood volume, bleeding gums usually indicate inflammation and probable infection.


Brushing Every Once in a While Is Enough

Plaque can solidify in less than 24 hours. That is why experts suggest brushing at least twice per day. Once it has solidified into tartar, you cannot remove it on your own. 

Your dentist will have to do that for you, and they will know that you weren’t brushing your teeth.


Sugar Is Responsible for Cavities

Sugar isn’t the only culprit when it comes to cavities. Many foods, especially carbohydrates, contain sugar particles that cling to your teeth more effectively. 


The bacteria in your mouth feed on these particles and produce the acids that erode your teeth.


Gum Disease Isn’t Serious

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that causes chronic inflammation and gives bacteria easy access to your cardiovascular and skeletal systems. 


While gum disease can be stopped with few consequences in its early stages, it can also cause serious health complications.


You Can Skip Dental Check-Ups

Our bodies are adept at hiding oral health issues. We usually don’t experience symptoms until the problem is very advanced. 


Visiting your dentist every six months greatly increases the chance that your dentist will find decay and disease before it causes lasting harm. 


White Teeth Are Healthy Teeth

White teeth are usually healthy, but discolored teeth are not necessarily unhealthy. Stains, aging, and even some medications can discolor teeth without actually making them unhealthy. 


Sugar-Free Gum Can Replace Brushing

Chewing gum does stimulate saliva production, which amplifies your natural defenses against tooth decay. Unfortunately, that isn’t enough to replace brushing. You still need to be able to remove stubborn bits that gum alone can’t touch. 


Sensitive Teeth Always Indicate Enamel Damage

Sensitivity can be an indicator of enamel damage, but that isn’t always the case. Basic tooth whitening treatments can increase the sensitivity of your teeth without damaging the enamel at all. 


Countering Misinformation

It’s easy to see why so many of these myths continue to exist. They’re convenient and make us feel better about less than ideal oral hygiene habits. However, that doesn’t take away from the explicit danger they pose to our collective oral health. 


If you want to help dispel oral health misinformation and offer real help to families in need, then contact Giving a Smile today.

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