5 Common Myths About Dental Care

As in any field, people’s preconceptions about dental care are often far from the truth. With so much received wisdom being passed down about teeth, it’s hard to know what to believe. Checking with your dentist is the best way to be sure you’re on the right path to good oral hygiene and to leave damaging myths behind.

Dental Care Myths

Here are 5 of the most common myths about dental care:

1. The Harder You Brush, the Better the Clean. This myth is not only untrue but is actively harmful. Harder brushing can put more strain on your enamel and gum tissue. Brushing gently is the best strategy.
2. All Stains can be Whitened. Many people think that by going in for a teeth whitening, they can remove any stain from their teeth. While the procedure may remove some coffee and tobacco discoloration, some stains simply don’t respond well to teeth whitening. A bonding procedure may be able to help clear these resistant stains.
3. Chewing Gum is Bad for Your Teeth. Chewing gum can actually be beneficial to your teeth, since it produces saliva which can help to clean your teeth. Most gum contains sugar, however, which can promote the production of bacteria that leads to cavities and tooth decay. Try chewing sugarless instead.
4. Having Bleeding Gums is Normal. Although many people do have bleeding gums, it is always a sign of inflammation. Bleeding gums indicate that you may be suffering from gingivitis or another gum disease that needs to be addressed before it gets any worse.
5. You Only Need a Dental Exam if Something is Wrong with Your Teeth. Regular dental cleanings are necessary to maintain proper oral health. They also provide an opportunity for your dentist to discover potential problems before they even start. That way, you won’t need to make a far more painful emergency visit to your dentist’s chair.

By not falling prey to these common myths, you give yourself a much better chance of maintaining good oral health. Be sure to check in with your dentist regularly for cleanings or whenever you have any questions. Good dental care is no accident.