It never ceases to amaze me how many dental myths are floating around out there. Whether it’s about certain kinds of food, dentist treatments or just general oral health, there is a lot of misinformation to sort through.
It’s hard to make good health decisions without good information, so I’d like to take a little time today do dispel some of the most common oral hygiene myths I hear.
• Bleaching weakens your teeth – The truth is, bleaching products for teeth whitening at your cosmetic dentist are harmless so long as they are used correctly. While bleaching affects the color of the teeth, it does not impact their health or strength. Some bleaching agents can cause tooth sensitivity for some people, but this is strictly sensitivity, not strength.
• The more sugar you eat, the worse it is for your teeth – As a kid, you probably heard “If you eat that, your teeth will fall out!” from your parents on more than one occasion. But the truth is, it’s not the amount of sugar in foods that causes tooth decay, it’s the amount of time the sugary food is in contact with your mouth that really matters. The more time you give the bacteria in your mouth to feed on the sugar, the more damage it can do. So go ahead, enjoy your treats – just be sure you brush your teeth immediately after to get rid of tooth damaging bacteria.
• Brushing is bad for bleeding gums – Unfortunately, this is one of the most tooth damaging myths out there. When your gums bleed, it’s actually a sign that plaque and food particles are accumulating along your gum line, which causes your gums to become irritated and inflamed. The cure is more brushing, not less. Be sure to still use a soft bristled brush so you don’t damage your gums, but don’t be afraid to really get in there along that gum line. You’ll be amazed at how much your gums improve over just a few days of proper brushing.