For years, there was no concept of toothbrushes for teeth cleaning. But now that we’re well aware and are living in such a fast paced life, we often neglect the importance of oral hygiene. However I do have a question though. Do thoughts like “which toothbrush is best for my teeth” and “can coal do the same job as toothpaste” ever cross your mind?
Well, I’ve got your life saved. Here’s me busting some of the common myths and misconceptions about oral hygiene and dental health.
- Brushing Harder Cleans Better
Dentists of Jamal Noor Hospital say that most patients who visit are not aware of their dental care routine. It is still believed till date that brushing your teeth hard will result in cleaner teeth.
This is an absolutely wrong concept. Hard toothbrushes are said to be very dangerous for your gums and teeth. Do opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush for at least 60 to 90 seconds for cleaner teeth.
- Sugar Causes Cavities
It is common knowledge that sugar is bad for your teeth. But what does that actually mean? Consuming a bag of sweets and cakes is not the cause of cavities. What I mean by that is, you should keep your facts straight. Know that the real cause behind cavities is not just ingesting sugar.
How long the sugar remains in your mouth actually causes cavities!
When sugar is introduced in your body, it causes the bacteria to produce acids. These slowly eat away the enamel from the teeth, which makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay. However, there are minerals found in our saliva that help repair the enamel and strengthen the teeth.
- Flossing is mandatory
Flossing is always recommended but it’s never mandatory. For people with gaps in between their teeth, it is very important to floss. It helps to take out food from the areas where the bristles cannot reach. If one’s brushing technique is fine, floss is not mandatory.
- Sugar-Free Sodas are Healthy For your Teeth
It is a very common misconception that sugar-free sodas aren’t bad for your teeth. However, consumption of sodas even without sugar can cause acidity in the mouth. The average pH of water sits at 7, which is neutral . And if we look at the sodas, they have a pH of 2 or 3. This is extremely acidic. For better understanding, the pH of battery acid sits at 1.
- White Teeth are Healthy Teeth
A pearl white smile is not an indicator to healthy teeth. So, don’t fool yourself into thinking that you have great oral health just by focusing on the whitening part. The natural color of teeth changes from person to person. Dentists focus more on fresh breath and the presence of zero cavity to determine your overall oral health.
- Children don’t need to see a dentist
It is very important for parents to take their children to the dentist from a very young age. The concept of not taking the children to school ‘because they are little’, is completely false.
It is usually recommended for a baby of 24 to 36 months to give his first visit to the dentist. In this visit the doctor mainly checks the growth of the teeth and gums. Also, it’s an easy age to get introduced to your dentist.
- Oral Health Deteriorates with Age
Oral health does change with time, but this doesn;t means that it gets worse. By keeping a tremendous dental routine and having regular check-ups you can save your teeth for senior years. Don’t listen to the people who ruined their teeth by not taking proper care in early life. Visit your dentist regularly and you will have no complaints.
- Baby Teeth Do not Matter
The importance of baby teeth can never be understated. It is very important for your child to chew and eat at an early stage. With that being said, these teeth play a major role in making space for the adult teeth.
It is often seen that when a baby’s tooth is removed prematurely, it results in uneven spacing. This causes problems like crookedness and overlapping. Overly Shifted teeth can cause issues later regarding oral hygiene.
Final Thought
Keeping up with your dental health is a major part of maintaining your overall health. Avoid believing the myths you hear and focus on visiting your dentist. I would suggest clearing up your misconceptions using a credible source.
