Our oral health is incredibly important and, like other aspects of our physical health, should not be neglected. Unfortunately, there are many myths floating around about how to care for your teeth including causes of problems and quick fixes.

JC Dental is here to help separate fact from fiction and bring some truth to the most common dental misconceptions.

Myth 1

Brushing as often as possible will help keep your teeth healthy

Regular brushing is the best thing you can do for your teeth, but over-brushing can have detrimental effects. The abrasive brushing and sometimes harsh toothpaste can eventually wear down enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and a receding gum lines.

Stick to brushing twice-a-day in the morning and at night. Use a simple rinse between brushes after eating, and you can even chew on a piece of sugar-free gum to prevent the build-up of plaque.

Myth 2

White teeth are healthy teeth

Having pearly whites may be something we all want to achieve, but people who have a dazzlingly white smile are not immune to tooth problems.

While darker teeth may be a sign of staining or even decay, white teeth can still have cavities and infections the same as not-so-white shades. Teeth whitening is cosmetic only and does not address any underlying issues.

Myth 3

If you brush regularly, you don’t need to floss

While brushing your teeth twice a day is an absolute must, it is only one part of your daily oral health routine. Many people believe that brushing alone is good enough, so they do not floss, however brushing alone does not get between the teeth where food particles get lodged. This will lead to a build-up of plaque and eventual tooth decay or gum disease, no matter how great you are with brushing.

Flossing can be done quickly and is easier than ever thanks to handy flossing tools that can reach way back into the molars, so there’s no excuse to leave it out of your dental care routine.

Myth 4

If I brush before my appointment, my dentist won’t notice anything

Most of us have probably frantically given our teeth a good brush before a dentist appointment in an effort to make up for bad habits, hoping the dentist will only see clean, healthy teeth. Truth is there is no hiding damage done to teeth and gums, whether they are due to poor oral hygiene or not.

If there are any issues, you would want your dentist to find them, so they can be treated properly and not get worse. It’s still worth brushing your teeth before an appointment but not in an effort to try to hide anything.

Myth 5

Children don’t need to see a dentist until their second teeth have appeared

There are a few myths surrounding when a child needs to visit the dentist for the first time, and many parents believe it isn’t until the second tooth pops up. Ideally, your baby should see the dentist by the age of one or within six months of their first tooth appearing.

This is the perfect time to check that everything is progressing as normal and to give parents tips on how to care for their baby’s teeth and gums.

A great oral hygiene routine includes brushing twice a day, flossing, rinsing and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups. JC Dental, your local Southport dentist, offers a range of dental services for the whole family. From regular check-ups to emergency appointments, our friendly and experienced team are happy to answer any questions and address your concerns when it comes to your oral health.

Contact us to arrange a check-up and to chat with our dentists about how to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Posted in Oral Health

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