Facts or Myths?!
There are some misconceptions out there when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and safe. This could be for brushing, flossing, or other food habits common with kids and adults. It just takes a few minutes to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your day. But some incorrect practices can leave permanent harm, which makes it very important for us to break these myths. Let us unravel a few of them as we read on!
A common misconception among us is that the harder we brush our teeth the better it will be for them. We believe that only if we brush hard enough will our teeth get cleaner.
As a matter of fact, you only get the enamel eroded by brushing too vigorously or using an abrasive toothbrush. Sensitivity can be caused by eroded enamel when the underlying dentin is revealed. Sometimes, if the procedure is not stopped, the pulp can also ultimately contribute to irritation and pain. The harder you brush, the more trauma the tooth enamel and gum tissue endure. It can eventually lead to other problems such as gum recession.
Another misconception most of us have is that braces are only for the younger generation. This is not true as orthodontic as well as cosmetic dentistry has come a long way. Your crooked teeth can be realigned to make you look beautiful at any age because a perfect smile and healthy teeth have no age limit.
The most common misconception we all face is that teeth cleaning/ scaling and polishing will abrade the enamel and cause sensitivity issues. This is the most common misunderstanding we are often faced with. Scaling and polishing is a process that patients are encouraged to undergo regularly. This replaces the plaque and calculus accumulated, causing gingival inflammation that leads to gums and mobile teeth bleeding.
In some situations where the calculus is attached deep down in the gums, which can not be easily extracted, a deep scaling is often needed. Scaling and polishing are therefore only helpful for the patient, particularly those suffering from gingival diseases. Sensitivity due to brushing of the teeth is not triggered.
White teeth are healthy teeth and yellow are because you do not brush regularly!? Whiter teeth are not necessarily teeth that are healthier. Teeth start white, and through staining or injury, they can become discolored over time. The underlying cause of discoloration could be left unaddressed by whitening teeth. Talk to your dentist if your teeth are losing their luster on why.
Myth Alert — Avoid all sugar if you wish to avoid tooth decay?!? In the production of tooth decay, sugar definitely plays a part, but it’s not the only culprit. Bacteria in the mouth create a plaque that can harden into tartar when left untreated. The naturally occurring bacteria produce an acidic atmosphere that wears away the surface of the tooth and creates cavities until the plaque builds up.
Another misconception around sugary food is that sugar causes a cavity. While sugar does contribute to the formation of cavities, the problem is not caused by sugar itself. Instead, it’s the bacteria that sugar consumes. Sticky food attracts bacteria, including starches, to live on and around the teeth. An acid compound that encourages tooth decay is produced by these bacteria. After meals, rinse and brush to reduce acid and plaque accumulation.
Another common misconception is that bleeding gums are normal. Owing to excessive plaque accumulation, the onset of gingivitis, gum disease, or other causes, gums may become inflamed and begin to bleed. This isn’t natural.
The most common myth however is that if you have no concerns regarding oral health since there are no symptoms, there is no need for a test.