How many of these did you know?
Modern dentistry has become very advanced and reliant on science and technology, but many dental myths have been passed on by word of mouth such as:
#1 Sugar causes tooth decay
We’ve all been told that sugar is bad for you and it will rot your teeth. While sugar can lead to cavities, the real culprit in tooth decay is bacteria that are feeding off the sugar. It’s not just sugar though; these bacteria feed off any carbs, even those from healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and grains. These bacteria form acid that combines with saliva and forms plaque.
#2 Whitening your teeth damages the enamel
Over-the-counter whitening products mainly contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which work as oxidizing agents to remove surface stains. These products when used in moderation are safe.
#3 Mouthwash with alcohol is better
Mouthwash should not contain alcohol! Alcohol is dehydrating and can change the balance of your mouth. Saliva protects your teeth, and dehydrating your mouth can increase the risk of cavities.
#4 Kids get more cavities than adults
This may have been true in the past, but thanks to fluoride in tap water, cavities in school-aged children are on the decline. Conversely, cavities are on the rise in senior citizens because many medicines are drying out their mouth, leading to less saliva to protect their teeth.
#5 Aspirin placed next to a tooth will help a toothache
Aspirin is acidic and could actually burn your gum tissue. Aspirin needs to be swallowed to ease the pain.
#6 You will know when you have a cavity
A dentist can detect a cavity long before it causes pain, which is why regular checkups are important.
#7 Brushing teeth more than once a day can harm my enamel
As long as you are using a soft toothbrush and not being too rough on gums and teeth, then brushing your teeth after every meal will be better.
#8 Don’t brush if your gums are bleeding
Bleeding of your gums is often caused by a buildup of plaque or food debris caused by not brushing. It’s best to brush, but gently. If your gums continue to bleed, see your dentist.
#9 It’s not important to take care of baby teeth because they will fall out
It’s important to teach your children good oral hygiene habits early on, and neglecting these teeth can cause early loss and problems with their bite later on.
#10 Poor oral hygiene only affects the mouth