Dentistry has several myths that seem difficult to dispel despite abundant evidence. Unfortunately, believing these myths can cause harm to your oral health.
Continue reading below about seven common dental myths.
Regular dental checkups can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral examination and professional teeth cleaning.
7 Common Dental Myths
1. Sugar-Free Soft Drinks Do Not Harm Your Teeth
Most people are aware that sugar causes dental cavities. However, opting for sugar-free drinks does not remove all the risks. Acids in these beverages cause tooth erosion, which is the loss of enamel. This can result in teeth needing extensive restorative dentistry, including veneers, root canal treatments, and crowns.
2. You Can Be Too Old For Braces
Whether you are a teenager or a senior adult, you can have your teeth moved with orthodontic braces. The same process of applying pressure to teeth moves them into a more favorable position. However, because adults have denser bone, the process may take longer to move teeth with traditional or invisible braces.
3. Baby Teeth Are Not Important
It is true that baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent or adult teeth. However, baby teeth are important for several reasons, including:
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They help children chew and speak.
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They are a part of the child’s smile.
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They hold space for permanent teeth as they develop in the gums.
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Losing baby teeth early can lead to crooked adult teeth.
4. Brushing Harder Cleans Your Teeth Better
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends gentle brushing pressure to clean your teeth. Excessive force can damage your gum and cause gum recession. You can also wear down enamel when you brush hard. Instead of cleaner teeth, you can have tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay.
5. Brushing Is More Important Than Flossing
This unfortunate myth can lead to cavities between teeth and also, gum disease. The only way to remove the destructive bacteria between your teeth is by using floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. After thoroughly brushing the tops, fronts, and backs of your teeth, plaque remains on 40% of your teeth’s surfaces.
6. You Should Brush Your Teeth Right After Eating
Most meals contain foods that can produce acids that demineralize tooth enamel. Therefore, if you brush immediately, you can damage the enamel. However, waiting thirty minutes gives your saliva time to replace the lost minerals and restore strength to the enamel. Waiting before brushing is especially important if you consume highly acidic foods like citrus.
7. Rinse With Water After Brushing
The ADA recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste for its safe and effective prevention and control of tooth decay. Leaving residual toothpaste on your teeth after brushing provides extra protection. However, rinsing with water dilutes and washes away the fluoride. Therefore, it is best to spit the toothpaste from your mouth and wait at least thirty minutes before drinking any water.
Schedule Appointment
Contact us at Trident Dental to learn more about our full-service dental practice can help you maintain your oral health. We offer the latest dental technologies to diagnose and treat with cosmetic, restorative, and pediatric dental treatments.