Generally whenever we heard the term ‘oral health’, we think of brushing, flossing, teeth cleaning, dental visits, etc. However, dental care is much more than that.
Dental health plays a crucial role in managing your overall body health. Practicing oral care from a tender age is significant in strengthening your teeth and gums for a longer time.
There are some popular myths regarding oral care among people. As a result of which, they are likely to put their dental health at higher risk. Poor dental hygiene opens the door to some serious health issues like diabetes, heart diseases, or other related problems.
So, in this blog post, we have bust some dental myths. Keep Reading:
Myth: Flossing creates spaces between your teeth
Fact: Flossing never creates spaces between your teeth. Instead, it reduces the chances of creating spaces between your teeth and prevents tooth decay.
Flossing is done to remove stuck food particles from your teeth and avoid the plaque formation in the mouth. It may seem like you get smaller gaps between your teeth due to flossing but it is not true. Flossing only shows you the natural alignment of your teeth.
Myth: Oral health doesn’t affect your overall body
Fact: Since your whole body is interconnected, your oral health has a significant impact on your overall body health. In fact, most of the problems in the body start with the mouth itself since you consume everything through it. The harmful bacteria present in your mouth can interrupt the blood supply and other organs of your body as well.
Myth: Visit your dentist only when your teeth hurt
Fact: Your dentist knows the best for you. A dentist has a proactive role to play in maintaining your oral health. They not only provide painless dental treatments but also ensure that your mouth remains healthy by suggesting effective preventive measures. They prevent the risk of cavities in your mouth by giving you a thorough cleaning, removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, and detecting gum issues at an early stage.
Thus, it is always advised to talk to your dentist for regular checkups and cleanups. Treating oral issues before it gets bigger help in relieving the pain and saving yourself from expensive dental procedures.
Myth: The harder you brush, the more your teeth get clean
Fact: This is the most common dental myth perceived by many people. However, brushing too hard can lead to tearing down your enamel. It can also result in eroding the tooth surface and becomes a reason for gum bleeding.
Ideally, you should brush gently around your teeth for about 3-4 minutes two times a day. In addition to this, you can use a mouthwash to clean your mouth after eating.
Myth: Healthy teeth are white
Fact: It is not always true that white teeth are the healthiest ones. Your teeth may be whitish but it can still be unhealthy due to the plaque buildup or staining. Also, it has been found that regular use of teeth whitening products results in tearing down of enamel. Furthermore, pearly white teeth are sometimes the sign of excessive fluorides or calcium deficiency in the mouth.
Myth: Chewing gum is as good as brushing
Fact: Well, there is nothing that can replace brushing. Though chewing gum promotes better breath and cleaning of teeth, it cannot be used in place of brushing. Brushing is of huge significance to your oral health and thus you should never skip brushing your teeth properly in the morning and at night.
Myth: Bleeding gums are normal
Fact: Bleeding gums could probably be the first sign of any gum disease. It depicts the inflammation caused by bacterial growth in your mouth. If you often experience gum bleeding during brushing or flossing, consult your dentist for professional care. It could save you from suffering from harmful gum diseases like gingivitis etc.
Myth: Sugar is the only reason for mouth cavities
Fact: Sugar is not the reason for cavities rather it feeds bacteria that cause cavities. If you eat a lot of sugar then you must experience plaque buildup in your mouth, leading to tooth decay. Therefore it is suggested to limit the intake of sugar in your daily eating routine and prevent the risk of diseases and cavities. Additionally, clean your mouth with mouthwashes or flossing after having your sugary meals and avoid the development of bacteria in your teeth.
Myth: My child’s first dental visit should be in the 3-4 years of age
Fact: This isn’t true. Instead, you should take your child to the dentist as soon as his/her first tooth starts developing i.e., at the age of 6-24 months. The underlying reason behind that is dental care is a must since the early age of a child as it paves the way for permanent adult teeth and helps them grow stronger. Also, dental issues at an early age are easy to treat and cause minimum pain. The earlier you visit your dentist, the more you will less likely to get any dental problem.
Myth: All wisdom teeth must be removed
Fact: You should only go for wisdom teeth extraction in case of impacted teeth. If it creates a problem with other teeth or doesn’t have enough space to adjust, then only you should go for its removal. There are certain signs and symptoms you would face in case of necessity for wisdom teeth removal like swellings, jaw pain, tooth decay, etc. Rest, you can live with it for a lifetime if it grows without any problem.
Myth: You should avoid dental treatments during pregnancy
Fact: When you are pregnant, your hormones change frequently resulting in various oral health issues like gum diseases, etc. Pregnant women remain concerned about their X-rays and avoid visiting their dentist for checkups. Moreover, some mothers believe that losing a tooth while pregnancy is because of a baby. However, it is not true; losing a tooth could be a reason for a dental problem. Thus, do not delay in your dental treatment and go to your dentist for regular cleaning, and examination of your dental health.
So these are some common myths about dental health. For more details and doubts, consult your dental practitioner and seek their guidance on every little detail.