Your smile is arguably one of your most important features; not only does it house your teeth, tongue, and other crucial oral structures, but it’s also a pretty big source of self-pride and joy! That means you should take measures to protect it and ensure it always looks and feels great; however, there are several odd dental myths floating around out there that deter people from properly caring for their pearly whites. Keep reading as your dentist debunks five of these popular myths so that you can rest assured that you’re giving your smile the attention it deserves.
Myth #1: Brushing Harder Cleans More Thoroughly
This simply isn’t true! If you brush your teeth too hard, you can actually cause just as much damage to them as you would from not brushing at all. Overbrushing can wear away your enamel, irritate your gum tissue, and cause other issues. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure instead of pressing down hard—don’t squash the bristles against your teeth!
Myth #2: Flossing Is Optional
When most people think about caring for their smiles, brushing their teeth is the first thing to come to mind—and rightfully so. However, it’s crucial to not skip flossing or treat it as optional; the habit is what allows you to clean out the spaces between your teeth that your brush cannot access. Be sure that you’re flossing daily; and if you’re just getting back into the habit and noticing that you’re bleeding while flossing, schedule an appointment with your dentist as it might indicate gum disease.
Myth #3: Diet Sodas Are Good for Your Teeth
Even though diet sodas don’t have cavity-causing sugars in them, they’re still highly acidic—which is still pretty terrible for your oral health (most fruit juices are also acidic). The acid in sodas eats away at tooth enamel and causes sensitivity, not to mention, some people sip their soda over the course of a day which results in continuous exposure. The healthiest alternatives to soda are water, milk, and vegetable juice.
Myth #4: You Should Only Visit the Dentist If You’re in Pain
Perhaps the worst thing you can do for your smile’s well-being is not scheduling regular preventive dental checkups; these visits are crucial for maintaining good oral health, since your dentist is given the opportunity to examine your smile for concerning symptoms. If you’re giving things the chance to worsen and become painful, the problem will ultimately be more difficult (and usually more expensive) to address.
Myth #5: Baby Teeth Don’t Matter
If your little one still has their baby teeth, you should ensure that they’re taking great care of them even though they’ll eventually be replaced by permanent teeth. This is because the baby teeth still establish the necessary space for the emerging adult teeth; not to mention, they can still suffer from painful cavities!
Don’t let misinformation fool you; these myths spell bad news for your smile, so be sure that you’re properly caring for your pearly whites, visiting your dentist, and taking other steps to retain a healthy and beautiful grin!
About the Author
Dr. M. Kent Smith received his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and has proudly served patients and families in the Edmond, OK community for several years. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options that are certain to help you and your loved ones maintain healthy and beautiful smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or a particular treatment, or you’d like to arrange a visit, feel free to contact Dr. Smith through his practice’s website or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (405) 341-7773.