10 Dental Hygiene Myths

I work at City Bridge Dental Care which is a dentists in southampton and get asked

questions on a daily basis, some of which are outlined and answered below.

Myth: White teeth are healthier teeth.

Reality: White teeth look more aesthetically pleasing but teeth aren't meant to be pure white.

Teeth can be kept clean by daily brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash.

Some whiteners or bleaching agents contain harsh chemicals which can damage teeth if too much is applied or applied to often.

Myth: Only "junk food" and sugars are bad for my teeth.

Reality: Natural sugars and acids are found in many foods which can damage your teeth and gums.

Some of the major contributors to dental decay include: Honey, soft drinks, chocolates, sweets, cakes, biscuits, citrus fruits and dried fruit.

Limiting the intake of these foods and a good oral hygiene routing can prevent any damage they may cause.

Myth: There is no need to brush "baby teeth".

Reality: Introducing a good dental health routine to young children is good practice for when they fall out. Decay to baby teeth can also lead to damage to the developing crowns of the permanent teeth growing below.

Myth: Flossing isn't important.

Reality: Brushing your teeth and rinsing with mouthwash won't remove plaque build-up beneath the gum line. Daily flossing can help keep the spaces between the teeth and under the gum line free from anything likely to cause decay.

Myth: Bleeding is normal when brushing teeth.

Reality: Bleeding gums while brushing is a sign of possible gum disease such as Gingivitis so should be checked by a specialist.

Myth: Bath breath is caused by a poor brushing.

Reality: An excess of volatile sulphur compounds is often the cause of bad breath. Bacteria on the tongue and throat produce the compounds which can build up if allowed to.

Myth: I only need to see a dentist if in pain.

Reality: There are many places cavities can arise all of which aren't visible in a mirror. It is recommended to visit your dentist for a check-up every 6 months to helps spot any decay that may have started out of sight. Preventative maintenance is far better option than fixing damaged teeth.

Myth: All dental treatment is painful.

Reality: Advances in dental treatments, technologies and pain relief have led to huge improvements in recent years.

Most procedures are completely painless.

Myth: Braces for malposition teeth are only for children.

Reality: Braces are most often suggested by an orthodontist at a young age as it's easier to reposition the teeth during growth phases but is not restricted to children. Around 1 million Americans over 18 have braces for aesthetic purposes.

Myth: Aspirin Directly on a Tooth Will Relieve Pain.

Reality: This myth is an old remedy which is completely false. Placing aspirin directly next to a tooth can cause an acidic chemical burn to gums and lips. Aspirin works by inhibiting the tooth's prostaglandin production and prevents the pain signals being sent to the brain. Placing aspiring doesn't help expedite this process as it doesn't enter your blood stream.

by: Nick Ross

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