Debunking Dental Myths You Thought Were True

Unlearning What You’ve Learned

You may not realize it, but what your parents may have told you about oral health may just be myths. You might want to check it out because with all the technology of this era, they don’t hold true any more. Let’s look at some of them here.

Dental Care Misconception #1

The harder you brush the better for you. Brushing harder and faster is not the best way to care for teeth. Hard brushing or using an abrasive toothbrush as medium to firm, will harm the enamel layer of teeth that protects the sensitive layers underneath. This will cause the enamel to be brittle or to weaken, leading to cavities and decay. Slow, circular motions, with gentle pressure and a soft-bristled toothbrush is best.

Dental Care Misconception #2

Brush immediately after every meal. Certainly, but wait at least 30 minutes before you do. Your saliva is the best countermeasure versus the acid in the food you eat.

Brushing immediately after eating will only spread the acid across your tooth surfaces. You can also gargle with water to wash off excess acid in the mouth, wait 30 minutes, then proceed to brushing.

Dental Care Misconception #3

Rinse your mouth well after brushing teeth. Actually, not rinsing after brushing is best. You may be rinsing off the fluoride in the toothpaste you used when it is the real ingredient that protects your enamel from tooth decay.

Washing it off by a vigorous rinse is countering the beneficial effects. So try not to rinse off so well, let a little toothpaste stay with just a swish of water briefly.

Dental Care Misconception #4

Sugar is the main culprit for tooth decay. Sugar is destructive, but it isn’t the main perpetrator. Dental plaque allows bacteria to flourish that result to cavities.

The foods that play the biggest role in tooth decay are those that cling to your teeth for a long time – such as milk, ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy and mints, dry cereal, and chips.

The sugars and starches from these foods remain on teeth after inadequate brushing. Over time, acids in the plaque wear away minerals in tooth enamel and leave holes susceptible to attack by bacteria and acid.

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Dental Care in Lynnwood

Stay up to date on what’s true and what’s not. Always free free to ask questions. Visit Song Dental Center and know more about oral health.