It can be challenging to know what to believe when it comes to dental care. Unfortunately, some people believe that false information is true and end up doing their teeth more harm than good. We explore five common myths about dental care below as well as what you should do instead.
Myth #1 – Hard bristle toothbrushes are the only way to get my teeth clean: While a toothbrush containing hard bristles is effective at cleaning your teeth, it isn’t your only option, and often may not be the safest. For those people who brush briskly, damage may actually occur to the gumline. Those with soft work just as well to remove plaque and tartar. Soft bristles are also a good choice if you have recently had oral surgery or have sensitive gums. These types of toothbrushes are also less likely to cause bleeding or damage to your gums if you accidentally nick them.
Myth #2 – Sugar-free candy and soda are not harmful to my teeth: When you’re trying to take great care of your teeth but still love soda and sweets, seeing a sugar-free label can seem like a free pass to indulge all you want. However, both candy and soda labeled as sugar-free still have high amounts of acid that can damage tooth enamel. In fact, a study by Health Day News indicates that the acid can soften tooth enamel by as much as 50 percent. This can eventually cause exposed pulp within the tooth that will require advanced dental treatment.
Myth #3 – Flossing really isn’t that important: This is an especially harmful myth because no toothbrush can get all of the food particles, plaque, and tartar present between the teeth. Besides brushing daily and visiting Hanson Dental for bi-annual cleanings, flossing is the most important thing you can do for your oral health.
Myth #4 – Teeth whitening is harmful: The carbamide peroxide used to whiten teeth can cause sensitivity in some people. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s harmful to the teeth in any way. On the contrary, teeth whitening can increase the brightness of your smile by as much as 10 shades from a single application. Please let us know if you’re considering this cosmetic dentistry procedure and we will provide you with detailed information about what you can expect. This includes what you can do to reduce the likelihood of experiencing discomfort after the procedure.
Myth #5 – Dental x–rays are not really necessary: Although Dr. Hanson and Dr. Osmundson have extensive training on spotting irregularities in a patient’s mouth, they are limited by their human vision. For example, early oral tumors can be too tiny to see unaided and our dentists can’t see under a patient’s gums to know that wisdom teeth will erupt within the next several months. This is where dental x-rays come into play. Dental x-rays are needed to see in between the teeth, the most common spot for tooth decay. They also help our dentists spot significant oral health issues as early as possible, which in turn makes follow-up treatment more effective.
Are you confused about other dental myths you have heard? If so, don’t hesitate to contact Hanson Dental for clarification.
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