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Five Common Oral Health Myths Debunked

December 16, 2021

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There are a lot of common misconceptions when it comes to taking care of your pearly whites. We’re here to help ensure proper dental care and bust any oral health myths that can be damaging to your mouth and teeth.

Myth: When your gums bleed when flossing, it’s best to leave them alone.

The Real Truth: Inflammation is often the culprit of bleeding gums. This can happen when bacteria and plaque get stuck in spaces our toothbrush bristles can completely reach. Over time, this build-up can cause our gums to become inflamed which can lead to bleeding.

Not frequently flossing will likely lead to bleeding gums. Make flossing daily a habit and the bleeding and inflammation will go away over time.

Myth: If nothing is bothering you, you really don’t need to visit the dentist.

The Real Truth: This is one of the most harmful myths. It is important to know that just because you’re not in pain from any dental issue, doesn’t mean there isn’t something wrong. Cavities and gum disease often don’t cause pain initially, but once you do start feeling the pain, the issue is normally a lot worse. Regular check-ups at the dentist can prevent and catch many potential dental problems, which can often save you more money in the long run.

Myth: The harder you brush, the more your teeth get cleaned.

The Real Truth:
When you brush your teeth aggressively or with a firm toothbrush, you actually can cause some major harm. Brushing too hard can wear away at the enamel that protects the inside of your tooth against cavities and decay. To avoid this, be sure to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and take it easy on the teeth.

Myth: Poor dental health will only affect your teeth and mouth.

The Real Truth: Oral health has been connected to a person’s overall health as there are many correlations between your mouth and body. Severe tooth decay and gum disease has the potential of spreading harmful bacteria into your bloodstream to other parts of your body. Studies also show that there is a direct link between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes and more.

Myth: You should brush your teeth immediately after eating.

The Real Truth: It is important to wait at least 30 minutes after consuming food or beverage, especially when it’s something acidic like oranges or lemonade. Saliva is your mouth’s natural way to offset the acids in the food you eat. You can swish water around in your mouth right after a meal but be sure to wait before brushing so the saliva can do its job.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, contact us at Beall Dental Center!