Dr. McVey Demystifies Common Oral Health Myths – Uncover the Truth Now!Oral Health Myths Busted! [Updated 2023]
Originally published December 4, 2015 as “Oral Health Myths Busted!”
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Image Source: top image by Flickr user paurian used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
In the fascinating world of dentistry, it's crucial to keep the conversation engaging and informative. Let's dive into the realm of oral health myths. These age-old misconceptions, much like urban legends, can steer us away from optimal dental health. As a dentist, I've encountered numerous dental myths, from the insignificance of baby teeth to the notion that gum disease is an “old age” issue. These myths, while seemingly harmless, can cause serious oral health problems. But don't worry, I'm here to debunk these myths, provide accurate knowledge, and guide you towards achieving excellent oral health. So, shall we embark on this enlightening, myth-busting journey together?
Myth #1: “If my teeth don't hurt, they are healthy.”
In reality, many dental problems don't hurt in their beginning stages, such as chronic gum disease and cavities. When they have progressed, however, to where treatment is quite extensive and expensive, you may begin to feel discomfort. Preventing a problem is always better than treating one. Visiting your dentist as frequently as recommended is key to maintaining a healthy body and mouth.
Myth #2: “Bleeding gums are normal.”
When you wash your body, does it bleed? No! It's not normal for your gums either. In fact, bleeding gums are the first sign of infection. Gums will bleed because plaque accumulates where toothbrushes cannot reach to remove it. This is why flossing daily is so important! Flossing will help reach these plaque-ridden areas, which adds up to about 35 percent of your tooth surface. To heal bleeding gums, consistently brush and floss gently twice a day. If bleeding continues, come to see us so we can evaluate your gums for possible gum disease.
Myth #3: “Always rinse your mouth out with water after brushing.”
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Spit, don't rinse”? Keep this tip in mind while brushing. Toothpaste contains fluoride which helps protect our teeth from dental decay, strengthens tooth enamel, and even reduces the amount of cavity-causing acid that bacteria produce. So, when brushing, spit out excess toothpaste, but refrain from rinsing your mouth out with water. This will help your teeth remain protected far longer throughout the day!
Myth #4: “Mouthwash will solve my bad breath.”
There can be many causes for bad breath and mouthwash alone is not the solution. Bad breath can be caused by certain medications, illnesses, foods, and poor dental hygiene. The most effective way to fight bad breath is through regular brushing, daily flossing, and especially tongue scraping. Tongue scraping gets rid of any remaining bacteria on your tongue, which is the real culprit behind bad breath.
Myth #5: “Brush your teeth immediately after eating.”
We may think that brushing right after eating is good because it gets any food particles that are left behind in our teeth. But brushing within 30 minutes of finishing a meal can actually weaken tooth enamel, especially if you've consumed anything sugary or acidic, such as citrus. After a meal, it is best to thoroughly rinse your mouth out with water or chew sugarless gum to increase saliva production. After about 30 minutes, however, brush away!
Don't Fall for Oral Health Myths! Book Your Appointment with Dr. McVey Now
The importance of debunking oral health myths and dental health misconceptions cannot be understated. Our dental health journey is often riddled with misinformation, leading to practices that might do more harm than good. Oral health myths, such as brushing immediately after eating or disregarding the care of baby teeth, can inadvertently lead to dental complications. Similarly, the misconception that bleeding gums are normal or that mouthwash alone can eliminate bad breath, can deter us from seeking necessary dental intervention.
By shedding light on these dental health misconceptions, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions about our oral care. We learn that a healthy set of teeth doesn't just mean that they are free from pain and that gum disease is not an inevitable byproduct of aging. Moreover, we come to understand that flossing and tongue scraping are as critical as brushing for overall oral hygiene.
The journey to excellent oral health is a continuous one, and staying informed is our best defense against these pervasive oral health myths. It is our hope that by dispelling these myths, we help make the path to optimal dental health clearer and more accessible to everyone. Remember, when it comes to our oral health, knowledge is indeed power.
Here's a fun video about bad breath. Enjoy!
Bad breath solved!
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