Despite what you may have heard, good toothcare isn’t just about flossing and brushing, although these are both very important (and should definitely be done regularly). While brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily will help to keep your mouth healthy, there are many other factors that affect the health of your teeth. A few examples include your diet, how often you visit the dentist and whether or not you smoke.
Here are ten common myths about toothcare that you can stop believing today.
Despite what you may have heard, good toothcare isn’t just about flossing and brushing, although these are both very important (and should definitely be done regularly). While brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily will help to keep your mouth healthy, there are many other factors that affect the health of your teeth. A few examples include your diet, how often you visit the dentist and whether or not you smoke.
Here are ten common myths about toothcare that you can stop believing today.
Flossing isn’t necessary
Although flossing isn’t an effective way to fight gum disease, it is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. In fact, dentists suggest flossing at least once per day to prevent decay from occurring between teeth.
Flossing can also help reduce food buildup along your gums and in between teeth. As you start flossing daily, you’ll begin to notice a difference in your oral health within just a few weeks.
I don’t need fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities by strengthening your teeth and maintaining healthy gums. In fact, 99 percent of public water systems in America are fluoridated, so you’re likely consuming it already.
Fluoride has been shown to be safe and effective when used at recommended levels, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That said, if you’re concerned about too much fluoride exposure, talk to your dentist or health care provider.
The white stuff is calculus and should be removed
It’s not calculus. At least, it shouldn’t be. As long as you don’t have advanced gum disease or severe decay that necessitates a root canal, white spots on your teeth are just tartar which is calcified plaque.
Tartar can be removed at home with tartar-control toothpaste and a dental pick called a tartar scraper. But if you have really bad tartar buildup, professional cleaning from a hygienist is necessary because brushing and scraping aren’t enough to remove it all. Usually once or twice a year will do it for most people. It doesn’t cause cavities, but it can contribute to periodontal disease.
Mouthwash keeps my mouth clean
Mouthwash might freshen your breath, but it doesn’t keep your mouth clean to the degree you’d expect. That’s because even if you use a rinsing solution with active ingredients (most do), those ingredients have to be given time to work their way between teeth and along gum lines before being washed away by saliva.
Brushing and flossing are better bets for removing plaque and actually may take less time than you think. When it comes to disease prevention, remember that regular brushing for 2 minutes twice a day is all that’s needed to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Gargling with salt water prevents bad breath
While it’s true that salt water might be a good way to cleanse your mouth of bacteria, there is no evidence that it can fight bad breath. Saliva can neutralize bad breath because saliva has enzymes and minerals in it that kill germs, not salt water.
And while some dentists believe drinking salty water can prevent halitosis, most say there’s no evidence to support those claims. To ward off bad breath, brush and floss regularly and limit foods like garlic, onions, and coffee, all known for causing foul-smelling breath.
Chewing sugarless gum keeps my breath fresh
While gum does reduce saliva production, it does not improve bad breath. Some gums contain sugar alcohols, which can actually feed bacteria in your mouth.
If you have bad breath and want to chew something, try a peppermint tea bag. It may not freshen your breath as much as chewing gum, but at least it won’t make it worse!
I can brush away periodontal disease
While brushing and flossing is helpful for preventing cavities, it’s not going to ward off periodontal disease. Your mouth has more bacteria than any other part of your body, says Peter Milgrom, DDS. This can cause infection if left untreated and untreated periodontal disease can lead to larger issues like heart disease or diabetes.
That’s why you should see a dentist at least once a year and possibly more depending on a variety of factors including age, health history, and whether or not you smoke. If you have concerns over gum recession or signs of periodontal disease like bad breath or loose teeth visit a dentist as soon as possible.
Brushing too hard damages your teeth
Brushing too hard can indeed hurt your teeth, but it’s not because of pressure from a stiff-bristled brush. The problem is that when you brush too vigorously, you can end up wearing away at enamel and exposing sensitive dentin underneath. In addition to being exposed to harmful bacteria, dentin tends to stain easily.
To protect enamel and reduce staining, use a soft-bristled brush with fluoride toothpaste and apply gentle pressure while you brush. Be sure not to skip brushing or flossing; plaque buildup can make teeth more susceptible to decay. And be sure to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
