Over the years, there have been many misconceptions about dental hygiene. Many people now have unconventional views that could negatively affect their oral health in the long run. It’s important to address these views because your dental health is linked to your overall health, and it should be cared for with the right dental practices.
The wrong dental hygiene practices can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and many other problems. It is vital for you to understand the truth about your oral health as soon as possible. That is why our dentist in Indian Trail is here to refute seven common myths on dental hygiene to help you improve your overall oral health.
Myth 1: Brushing Harder and Longer Cleans Better
The amount of pressure you use when you brush your teeth does not play a huge role in keeping your teeth clean. What determines your teeth’s cleanliness is your brushing technique. The best way to brush your teeth is to use light pressure, use only soft or medium-bristle toothbrushes, and move in round or circular motions.
You should also divide your teeth into four sections and spend at least 30 seconds cleaning each section. This allows you to cover all parts of your teeth effectively within 2-3 minutes.
Myth 2: Only Sweets Cause Cavities
Yes, sweets are bad for your teeth and can lead to cavities, but they are not the only cause of tooth cavities. Anything sticky that gets stuck in the pits and grooves of the teeth for a long period of time can result in an increase of acid in the mouth, which causes cavities.
It is safe to say that consuming sweets, candies, and other sugary food does not necessarily cause tooth decay. The amount of time that the sugar stays in your mouth is the real concern. That’s why it’s so important to rinse your mouth to remove the particles stuck in your teeth.
You can also change your diet to make sure it includes foods that are better for your oral health.
Myth 3: Flossing Is Not Necessary After Brushing
Many believe that flossing creates spaces between the teeth and that it isn’t necessary to floss after brushing. However, while brushing your teeth keeps them clean, flossing helps prevent decay between your teeth. When you floss, you tend to your teeth by removing the food particles that have nestled around them. This helps extract bacteria and keeps your teeth and gums healthy.
If you are new to flossing, you may experience bleeding gums. However, this will subside after a few weeks of daily flossing. It’s important to note, though, that if your gums still bleed over time, you may be experiencing a symptom of gum disease. In this case, you will need to see your dentist to uncover the cause and schedule any necessary treatments.
Myth 4: White Teeth Are Healthy Teeth
The popular saying “looks may be deceiving” can be applied to teeth color. White teeth may look healthy, but they are not necessarily an indication of healthy teeth. The belief that yellow teeth are unhealthy is false.
The thickness and shade of your enamel varies from person to person and can be healthy in colors other than white. In addition, your teeth can discolor over time due to the type of foods and beverages you consume.
If your teeth are looking dull, you can speak to your dentist to figure out why they are losing their shine. We provide teeth cleanings, teeth whitening treatments, and gum disease treatments to help restore the brightness of your teeth.
Myth 5: Dental X-Rays Are Risky
On the contrary, dental x-rays are safe and vital for maintaining your oral health. They help your dentist determine intricate oral issues that are not visible to human eyes.
You are only exposed to minimal radiation when you undergo a dental x-ray scan at your dentist’s office. In addition, there are safety procedures set in place to make sure that you are never exposed to dangerous levels of radiation at your dental appointment.
Myth 6: Bleeding Gums Are Normal
Bleeding gums are an indication of many things. You may experience bleeding gums when you brush too aggressively, use a hard-bristled toothbrush, or floss. The buildup of bacteria and food debris in your mouth can also cause bleeding gums. Therefore, it is best to visit your dentist for a checkup so you can have a better understanding.
If your dentist doesn’t find any issues that require treatment, they will give you a few recommendations to help you take care of your bleeding gums properly.
Myth 7: You Only Need to Visit the Dentist When Your Teeth Hurt
It is possible to have healthy teeth and not feel any symptoms associated with dental issues. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have an underlying dental issue. Waiting until your symptoms become obvious is not a wise idea. It is common for symptoms to not appear until the late stages of a dental issue.
That’s why we recommend you schedule regular appointments with your dentist for examinations and dental hygiene cleanings in Indian Trail, NC, at least twice a year. That way, your dentist will be able to discover dental problems early on and offer treatment.
At Nexus Dental Associates, we help our patients develop the right dental hygiene routine, both in our office and at their homes. That’s why it’s so important for us to continue to refute myths about dental hygiene, so we can enable our patients to take proper care of their teeth. Contact us for more information about how you can improve your oral health routine.
