You’ve probably heard these common myths:
- We only use 10% of our brains. (Untrue: Most of our brain is active all the time.)
- George Washington had wooden teeth. (Untrue: His teeth were probably ivory, gold, lead, or other human teeth. Of course, we would know this one!)
- Georgia produces the most peaches in the U.S. (Untrue: California produces more peaches than Georgia.)
There are many more myths that have a life of their own. Many of them are accepted as fact and never challenged. ***
Ironically, it’s the same when it comes to dental hygiene. There are so many myths, but we will just tackle a few here:
- Flossing is not needed. Brushing your teeth is not enough. Your toothbrush cannot reach all of the areas where food is lodged. Cleaning in between your teeth may prevent issues that can occur regarding the gums, bad breath, and tooth decay. Mouthwash won’t do the job, either. Flossing is a critical component of healthy gums and teeth.
- Braces hurt. There was a time when this was true. If you had braces pre-2000, you may have experienced pain. They not only hurt but the metal brackets could cut your lips and were difficult to fully clean. Thankfully, those days have passed. Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment. Invisalign has cut down the treatment time significantly. More importantly, it allows for easier brushing and flossing. Most of all, they look great. Most people don’t even realize you are undergoing Invisalign treatment!
- The more times you brush your teeth, the better. This is part fact and part myth. Brushing too much or too aggressively can wear down the enamel. Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth two to three times a day to prevent the accumulation of plaque. Most people should use an electric or soft toothbrush, and a new toothbrush should be changed out every three months, at a minimum. The technique is everything. Avoid brushing too close or too hard at the gums at a perpendicular angle. When brushing near the gums, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and don’t apply too much pressure. Use a soft toothbrush, always. Gums are quite sensitive, and they need to be protected. Once you lose your gum tissue, you will not get them back.
- Bleeding gums are normal. If your gums are bleeding, contact your dentist immediately. It may be an infection caused by bacteria. Your dentist can do an examination and recommend treatment. Do not delay as it could be serious. It could be linked to other medical conditions.
- No pain means your teeth are fine. When cavities are being formed, most of the time there is no pain. When you start experiencing pain, it could signify more advanced teeth or gum issues. Remember a small filling is much better than a large filling. Large fillings will wear down faster and may require more maintenance. The best way to fight tooth decay and gum disease are to visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. The dentist will examine your teeth and will prescribe any treatment if necessary.
Myths can be harmless, and they provide a lot of fodder for debate. However, for your best health, don’t believe any of the above dental hygiene myths. Instead, brush twice a day, floss every day, get two cleanings a year and see your dentist immediately if you notice anything unusual. That is the truth!
All Smiles Bethesda has experienced dentists and dental hygienists who can take care of your teeth and answer any of your questions. We would like to help you maintain your teeth and treat dental issues at their beginning stages versus their advanced stages. If you would like to schedule an appointment for you or your family, please call us at 301-984-9646 email us at info@allsmilesbethesda.com or lorraine@allsmilesbethesda.com.
We serve the Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, and the Washington, DC area.
*** For more about common myths accepted as truth, visit the Best Life Online website.