Don't Believe These 7 Dental Myths
Typical Dental Myths
1. Harder you brush, the better
Absolutely not. Brushing teeth too hard can actually be harmful. Contrary to popular belief, applying force while brushing will not make them whiter or help remove more plaque. Brushing hard affects the tooth enamel and gum tissue negatively, and will eventually cause problems like gum recession. Also, a hard bristle brush lasts longer but is counter-productive. Therefore, brush your teeth gently twice every day with a soft-bristle toothbrush to maintain dental hygiene.
2. Flossing causes gaps between your teeth
One in five Americans never floss. Only 40% of those who floss, do it daily. Flossing is imperative for good oral health. It removes almost all dental plaque and prevents decay between your teeth. Flossing decreases the chances of gum problems and bone loss. But it is essential to floss with the proper technique to avoid creating pocket gaps.
3. Chewing gum substitutes for brushing
Chewing on sugar-free gum has some benefits like an increase in saliva flow and neutralization of harmful acids in your mouth. But a piece of gum can only trap 10% plaque-forming bacteria, therefore it is no replacement for brushing or flossing. Besides, gum cannot reach between your teeth.
4. Regular professional cleaning weakens your teeth
While brushing and flossing remove plaque, they do not clean your teeth of tartar. Tartar is a stubborn food deposit that calcifies on your teeth and contributes to their decay. It is essential to get rid of tartar through professional cleaning so as to prevent tooth loss. Also, during your appointment, the dentist can spot other issues that may be left unnoticed or ignored at home.
5. Charcoal toothpaste is superior
The truth about charcoal in your toothpaste helping whiten your teeth is an exaggerated one. In fact, many toothpaste brands containing charcoal fall short of the required fluoride in them. This kind of toothpaste might also work against the teeth by absorbing protective agents meant to keep teeth healthy and strong.
6. Diet sodas are safe for your teeth
While diet sodas might not contain bacteria-feeding sugar content, they are still highly acidic. Diet sodas have a pH level of 2 or 3, compared to the pH level of battery acid, which is 1, you can know how acidic sugar-free sodas can be for your teeth. This acid can damage the enamel on your teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities and dental erosion.
7. Upper teeth extraction affects the eyes
It’s a common misconception that many believe in possibly because the pain and the swelling from an upper tooth might temporarily make you feel like cheekbones and the lower portions of your eyes are getting affected but in reality that is not the case at all. The nerves related to the upper jaw are at a certain distance from the nerves of our eyes and therefore, extraction of a tooth from the upper jaw does not affect eyesight. Besides, teeth are extracted mostly in old age when the eyesight is also getting weaker.
Now that you know what dental myths are out there be sure to visit Dr. Smith, your expert dentist in Bullhead City at Bullhead City Dentistry!