Top 5 Dental Myths
Myth #1: The harder you brush your teeth, the cleaner they’ll be
It’s best to use a soft toothbrush and avoid applying too much pressure when brushing. Brushing your teeth too hard won’t make them any cleaner and can wear down your gums and cause them to bleed and even recede. Using a brush that’s too abrasive can erode the protective layer of enamel on the tooth’s surface.
Myth #2: You don’t need to floss your teeth if you brush regularly
Flossing is a crucial part of a good oral hygiene routine. It allows you to clean hard to reach areas in your mouth and remove food particles and debris from small gaps between your teeth.
Myth #3: Chewing gum is as good as brushing your teeth
Chewing gum does have its benefits, but it’s no replacement for brushing your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum encourages the production of saliva, which helps wash away acid and sugar build-up on teeth.
Myth #4: Diet drinks are a healthy choice for your teeth
Diet versions of your favourite drink are usually highly acidic which can wear away the protective layer of enamel on the surface of your teeth. If you can’t resist that diet drink, it’s best to drink through a straw to minimise the damage to your teeth.
Myth #5: You only need to go for a dental check-up if you have a problem
It’s important to see your dentist even when there’s nothing wrong with your teeth. Dental check-ups are designed to assess your oral health so that any potential issues can be identified and addressed early, before they lead to pain, discomfort or other complications.