Taking care of your smile is important and there are many misconceptions about how you should be doing this. We’ve outlined some common myths and facts about dental health below to help distinguish between what is fact and fiction.
- I shouldn’t brush my teeth if I have bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are often caused by bacteria or food debris not being properly removed by regular brushing resulting in a build-up of plaque along the gumline. So, avoiding brushing will only make the problem worse. According to Colgate, the best way to get rid of bleeding gums is make your oral care routine better, not reduce it.
- White teeth are healthy teeth
We tend to assume that white teeth are not only attractive, but healthy too. More and more people are wanting a whiter and brighter smile, however having white teeth don’t always mean they’re any healthier. It’s possible to have gleaming white teeth that are deeply unhealthy, and it’s also possible to have teeth that don’t look very pretty, but are in great condition.
- Looking after my child’s baby teeth isn’t important as they’re going to fall out anyway
Baby teeth are the foundation of permanent teeth. Neglecting to take proper care of your child’s baby teeth can cause problems with their bite and permanent teeth if they fall out too early. It’s a good idea to start teaching your child about good oral hygiene from an early age to prevent this from happening.
- Beauty salons are a good place to get your teeth whitened
Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that should only be performed by trained dentists. Whilst some beauty salons do offer teeth whitening, it is actually illegal for them to do so if the treatment is not carried out by a dental professional, and may put your oral health at risk. To prevent the risk of permanent damage to your teeth, only visit a registered dentist for your teeth whitening procedure.
- I’m not in pain, so I don’t need to see the dentist
Your teeth may appear to healthy if you’re not experiencing any pain or problems, however this doesn’t mean that you should skip your regular check up at the dentist! Waiting until you feel pain in your teeth or gums usually means the dental problem is already in its later stages. You should visit your dentist twice a year for a regular dental exam to make sure your teeth remain healthy and any dental problems are treated before they become serious.
- Tooth decay is mainly caused by sugar
Sugar certainly plays a role in tooth decay. However, it is not technically the real offender – bacteria is. Bacteria in your mouth from sugar, food particles and carbohydrates produce acid that eats away at your tooth enamel. When this acid combines with salvia, plaque forms. That’s why it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Placing an aspirin on a toothache will help alleviate the pain
Over the counter pain relief such as aspirin can temporarily ease a toothache, but you should never place an aspirin against the gums near the toothache. By doing so can burn the gum tissue, making the problem worse. Try rinsing your mouth out with warm salty water to ease gum swelling. If your toothache persists, it is important to get it checked out by a dentist to make sure there are no underlying problems such as an infection causing the pain.
We hope this article has helped to answer any questions you have or dismissed any concerns about oral health you may have had. For more information and to book an appointment, please contact us on 01952 460119 or fill out our enquiry form.
