If you’re on a quest to improve your oral health, you’ve likely encountered a plethora of advice. While much of it is beneficial, a parallel universe of misconceptions might be hindering your dental well-being.
Dissecting Oral Health Misconceptions
Flossing Isn’t Necessary
Flossing is crucial to maintaining good oral health, as it helps remove about 80% of the plaque that builds up between your teeth. If you allow floss to build up too much, this can lead to tooth decay. Flossing is just as important as brushing in your daily routine.
Bleeding Gums are Normal While Brushing
If you notice your gums are bleeding when brushing or flossing, this could be due to inflammation from plaque buildup or gingivitis. This is not something that should be occurring, so it’s vital to contact your dentist if you notice excessive bleeding while brushing or flossing.
Eating a lot of Sugar Causes Cavities
It isn’t the sugar itself causing the cavities; it’s how long the sugar, acids, and bacteria sit on your teeth after eating. Sticky and sugary foods can attract bacteria, which can lead to the development of cavities. It’s crucial to rinse your mouth after eating sugary foods to ensure that bacteria aren’t left to build up on your teeth.
White Teeth Mean Healthy Teeth
Many people strive to have their teeth look bright and white. While whiter teeth may look nice, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re healthy. The color of your teeth can’t always indicate your oral health, so dentists usually look at other factors like freshness of breath or number of cavities as determinants.
Baby Teeth Aren’t Important
While baby teeth will only be around for a brief time, taking great care of them is essential. Baby teeth help to create space for adult teeth to grow in, so it’s important to take care of them and not remove them prematurely. If children develop a lot of cavities, this could also lead to tooth and gum problems when adult teeth grow in, so it’s crucial to create a good oral health routine when young.
Oral Health Doesn’t Connect to Overall Health
Your oral health can be a great indicator of your body’s overall well-being because your mouth is the point of entry for a lot of harmful bacteria. If you don’t take good care of your mouth, you could be opening yourself up to other harmful diseases like cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, or diabetes. If you form good oral health habits and visit your dentist regularly, you can significantly reduce your risk of other illnesses.
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