Stop Believing These Oral-Health Myths

5 Oral-Health Myths Your Dentist Wants You to Stop Believing

Plenty of households in South Africa believe many myths surrounding their dental hygiene and how to care for their teeth. These misconceptions may deter people from visiting their dentist when they really need to, which might result in irreparable damage to their teeth and overall health. Below we take a look at common oral health myths and how these harmful fallacies may negatively affect people.

1. 1.    Brush harder for cleaner teeth. A common myth that just about every dentist encounters is that brushing harder makes for a cleaner mouth. Your teeth are covered in an exceptionally strong, protective surface layer known as enamel. When brushing too hard or overbrushing, this enamel begins to wear. Teeth with worn enamel appear yellower and darker – not white and bright. Brushing too hard may also cause tooth sensitivity and gums to recede. If you think you may be brushing harder than required, speak to your dentist about proper technique and investing in a toothbrush with softer bristles.
   
   
2. 2.    White teeth are all healthy. The colour of your teeth is influenced by a ton of factors: genes, eating habits, how worn your enamel is, certain medications, and smoking. While yellow teeth may sometimes be an indication of poor oral health, it doesn’t mean that white teeth are all healthy. The best way to find out about the state of your teeth is to pay a visit to your local dental clinic for an examination.
   
   
3. 3.    Flossing can be skipped. There are just certain places a toothbrush will never be able to reach and this is what makes flossing so vital. Plaque left to build up between teeth and along the gum line can cause inflammation, gum disease, and even loss of teeth. If regular floss string does not work well for your teeth, speak to your oral hygienist about options such as water flossing.
   
   
4. 4.    Bleeding gums are normal. Bleeding gums is not always a sign of an underlying problem, but gums that consistently bleed while flossing and brushing may need some professional attention. Inflammation, gingivitis, and periodontitis are all serious conditions that require intervention to prevent them from becoming worse.
   
   
5. 5.    Dental visits are reserved for problems. It is far more critical to prevent issues with your oral health than to treat them. Oral hygienists should be visited every six months, while patients should strive to visit their dentist at least every one to two years. Any signs of bad breath, toothache, or inflammation in your mouth should warrant an immediate appointment too.

You can easily book an appointment with our expert dental department online, today.