Let’s get that facts straight on dental health. Too many people are walking around believing they’re practicing good dental hygiene when they are not. A lot of this is due to the numerous myths circulating the world on what proper oral care means. We want to settle the score once and for all.

Here are all your dental myths: busted!

Dental Health Is All In The Genes!

While good genes do affect our dental health a small amount, if you are not taking proper care of your teeth, you are just as prone to cavities and gum disease as the rest of us.

Bleeding Gums

It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t brush your teeth if your gums are bleeding. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, bleeding gums are often the sign your dental health is declining, and you should pick up the pace.

Bleeding gums are caused by plaque and food debris build up. If your gums are bleeding, you need to start brushing and flossing more thoroughly. We recommend using a soft toothbrush and brushing at an angle to reduce irritation.

Enamel Damage

There are two major myths concerning our enamel:

1. Teeth Whitening- While at one point in history whitening materials were highly acidic, causing enamel breakdown, modern technology has provided us with whitening solutions that are Ph neutral! In other words, your teeth (and enamel) are safe to be whitened.
   
2. Over Brushing – Over brushing can do no harm to your oral health.  In fact, most people aren’t brushing enough. Once after every meal would be the most ideal situation.  What is bad? Brushing too hard. Stay gentle.

Baby Teeth

Baby teeth fall out, so it’s okay if my kiddo has cavities! Wrong. Teaching your children proper oral hygiene will carry through to the rest of their life, and it is incredibly important. Incorrect oral hygiene in children can cause problems with their adult teeth and bite alignment.

Pain, Pain, Go Away

Has anyone ever told you that putting an aspirin up against an aching tooth will heal the pain? If they did, do not listen to their advice. That is simply not true. Aspirin contains a very high level of acid, which is the number one cause of cavities. Placing an aspirin next to your aching tooth will only exaggerate the problem and will also burn the tissue. Proper oral hygiene could relieve your pain, but if it continues, you should contact your dentist.

(Learn more on the effects of acid on your teeth.)

So, all your dental health myths have been debunked, but…what is true?

The truth is, no matter how great your dental hygiene routines are, you need to visit a dentist at least two times a year.

Looking for a dentist in Birmingham, Alabama? Contact us today!