Have you been taking proper care of your teeth? Chances are you aren’t. That’s probably caused by the number of dental myths going around. If you want to take better care of your teeth you’ve got to stop believing in these eight myths:
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You should only visit the dentist when your teeth hurt
You should visit the dentist when your teeth hurt, but not only when it hurts. People are recommended to visit the dentist at least twice a year. But for smokers, diabetic people, people with gingivitis, or a weak immune system, they might have to visit more frequently. The number of times a person visits a dentist may vary according to their needs. If you have a baby, it’s recommended that by the time they turn one year oldyou bring them to the dentist.
Besides, dentists aren’t only there to cure cavities or other severe conditions. They’re there to prevent them as well. People think that they’re cleaning their teeth properly. But they probably aren’t. Even if your teeth don’t hurt, make sure to visit your dentist and get a teeth cleaning and gum treatment. That way they can take out all the food build-up that might’ve hardened over time and even burrowed into your gums.
2. Brushing harder will make your teeth cleaner
Brushing your teeth harder will make your teeth more sensitive. That’s because if you brush too hard, the enamel of your teeth starts to wear down. The enamel is what protects your teeth. The thinner it gets, the more sensitive your teeth become. Having clean teeth is not the result of brushing harder. You can have clean teeth while brushing softly. What matters is the motion in which you brush your teeth, not the strength. Brush your teeth in a back-and-forth motion. Make sure to go over each tooth.
3. White teeth mean healthier teeth
White teeth are not an indication of how healthy your teeth are. You can have pearly whites and still have cavities. If you’re concerned about how yellow your teeth are, don’t be. Yellow teeth occur due to stains from what you eat or drink such as juices or coffee. It can also be easily fixed. If you want pearly whites you can visit your dentist and get veneers. Or you could whiten it at home with teeth strips
4. Brushing your teeth once a day is okay
The recommended number of times to brush your teeth in a day is twice. In the morning, to get rid of bad breath. And before going to bed, to get rid of all the food that might’ve gotten stuck in your teeth throughout the day.
5. Oral health is not as important as other parts of our body
Our oral health is just as important as the rest of our body. Oral health is essential to maintaining general health. Poor oral healthcare can lead to diseases that can affect every aspect of our life. Not to mention, our teeth are one of the first things people notice.
6. Everyone has to get their wisdom tooth removed
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If it’s causing you pain, then yes it should be removed. But if it’s not causing pain, you can just leave it alone.
7. There is no such thing as brushing too much
Again, if you’re brushing to the point that it’s wearing down your enamel, then you’re brushing too much.
8. People with bad breath have bad oral hygiene
Bad breath in the morning is normal. And yes, people who do have bad breath is usually a sign of bad oral hygiene. But there is a chance that even with good oral hygiene, bad breath may occur. Bad breath is not only a sign of bad oral hygiene, but it can also be a sign of a much more severe medical condition. Cancer and ulcers can cause bad breath too. So, if your breath still smells after brushing your teeth regularly, you better see a dentist and a doctor.
Now that you know what’s true and what isn’t, we expect that you’ll be taking more care of your teeth. Remember, if you aren’t sure about what to do with your teeth you can always ask a dentist. Educate yourself about the facts.
