Dentists Debunks Common Myths about Our Teeth

When it comes to oral health, there are several popular misconceptions surrounding teeth and gums. It’s essential to separate fact from fiction. Misconceptions about oral health can lead to poor dental habits, neglected problems, and even irreversible damage. From hard brushing making teeth cleaner to baby teeth not being important – but how many of them are actually true and which are not?

Dr Smita Mehra, BDS MFGDPRC, Principal Dentist here at The Neem Tree Dental Practices, has debunked some common myths for those eager to learn the truth about oral health.

Myth 1. Baby teeth aren’t important because they fall out

Many people think that looking after baby teeth isn’t important because they eventually fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. But this isn’t true. Decay and cavities in baby teeth can lead to big problems, affecting how adult teeth grow in and causing issues with speaking clearly. If several baby teeth have to be taken out due to decay, it can leave gaps that make the other teeth move, which can mess up the alignment of adult teeth.

It’s important to teach your children to brush and floss every day from a young age to avoid these problems. Healthy baby teeth are vital for chewing, speaking, and keeping space for adult teeth. Poor oral health in baby teeth can cause pain, infections, and trouble with eating and talking. The condition of baby teeth also affects the health of the growing adult teeth underneath. Dentists suggest regular check-ups for children to find and fix any issues early, helping them have good oral health for life.

Click here to reach more about keeping your baby’s teeth healthy.

Myth 2. Brushing harder makes your teeth cleaner

While it’s important to brush your teeth well, brushing too hard can cause harm. Many people think that using more force will clean their teeth better, but this isn’t true. Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel, making your teeth more sensitive. It can also hurt your gums, causing them to bleed and eventually recede.

Dentists recommend using a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush and brushing gently. The aim is to remove plaque and food bits without damaging your teeth or gums. Use the right technique—hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and make short, gentle strokes. This will clean your teeth well without hurting the enamel or gums. Regular dental check-ups can help ensure you’re brushing correctly and not causing any harm.

Click here to read our tips on brushing your teeth.

Myth 3. Teeth whitening will damage your teeth

People often think that whitening teeth can harm teeth and gums and make them more sensitive. This can happen if you use DIY whitening kits at home. Using these kits too much can damage tooth enamel, burn your gums, and even cause infections.

Getting your teeth whitened by a dentist is a safe way to get good results without harming your teeth and enamel. Dentists know how to prepare your mouth and whiten your teeth safely, avoiding any damage. Professional whitening is carefully controlled to protect your teeth and gums. Regular dental visits and professional advice can help keep your teeth healthy and looking good.

Click here to read more about teeth whitening.

Myth 4. White teeth are healthy teeth

Many people think that if your teeth are white, they are healthy. However, teeth can look bright white and still have problems. Conditions like gum disease or teeth grinding don’t always cause discolouration. Also, teeth may be whitened to look better without fixing the reasons they were discoloured in the first place.

Remember, how your teeth look doesn’t always show how healthy they are. Regular dental check-ups are important to find and treat issues you can’t see, like cavities, gum disease, or enamel wear. Whitening can make your teeth look nicer, but it doesn’t fix underlying problems. Keeping your teeth healthy means good hygiene, regular dentist visits, and treating any dental issues quickly.

Click here to read more about whitening your teeth from home.

Myth 5. Charcoal toothpaste is better than normal toothpaste

Charcoal toothpaste is becoming popular on social media, with many people claiming it’s better for your teeth. However, there is little evidence to support this. In fact, charcoal toothpaste can harm your teeth. It often doesn’t have enough fluoride, which is crucial for preventing tooth decay and strengthening enamel. Additionally, charcoal toothpaste is very abrasive and can wear down enamel with frequent use.

Dentists advise being careful with charcoal toothpaste. While it might temporarily whiten teeth by removing surface stains, its abrasiveness can damage enamel over time. Fluoride is essential for dental health, and using toothpaste without enough fluoride can lead to cavities and tooth decay. For safe and effective oral care, it’s best to use fluoride toothpaste and talk to your dentist about any whitening products. Regular dental check-ups and good brushing and flossing habits are key to healthy teeth and gums.

Myth 6. Brushing your teeth right after eating is good for your oral health

Some people think that brushing teeth right after eating or drinking keeps them clean, healthy, and prevents staining. However, that’s not true. When you eat or drink, the pH balance in your mouth changes, which weakens your teeth and makes them more likely to get damaged. Brushing straight after a meal could potentially harm your enamel.

Dentists suggest waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating or drinking. This gives your mouth time to balance its pH levels and allows your enamel to harden again. In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to help neutralise acids and freshen your breath. Following this advice can safeguard your enamel and contribute to better overall oral health.

Click here to read more about how to brush your teeth.

Myth 7. Dental health doesn’t affect my overall health

Many people believe that dental health and general health have no connection, but they are interconnected in more ways than one. Your mouth can serve as an indicator of your overall health, revealing signs of underlying conditions or issues you may not be aware of. Conversely, poor oral hygiene and conditions like gum disease can increase your risk of diseases in other parts of the body, such as heart disease.

The health of your mouth can reflect and influence your overall well-being. Conditions like gum disease have been linked to systemic health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Regular dental check-ups not only help maintain oral health but also allow dentists to detect early signs of systemic diseases that may manifest in the mouth. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, can significantly contribute to both dental health and overall wellness. Taking care of your teeth and gums is an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Myth 8. Braces are just for kids and teenagers

Braces are often thought to be mainly for children and teenagers because they are most commonly used during these years when teeth are still growing. People believe younger individuals benefit more because their teeth are easier to move into the right place.

But braces aren’t just for kids. They can straighten teeth successfully at any age. It might take longer for adults because their bones are more set, but modern orthodontic methods and dental technology mean braces work well for adults too. Talking to an orthodontist can help decide the best treatment plan, whatever your age, so you can have a healthy, confident smile.

Click here to find out more about orthodontics.

Myth 9. Sugar is the only cause of cavities

While sugar is a big reason for cavities in teeth, it’s not the only thing to blame. Just cutting out sugar doesn’t mean you won’t get cavities. There are other things that can cause tooth decay, like acidic foods, not looking after your teeth properly, sugar-free fizzy drinks, drinking alcohol, and not flossing enough.

To stop cavities, it’s important to keep good oral hygiene habits, like brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and seeing your dentist for check-ups. Acidic foods and drinks can wear away enamel, which makes teeth more likely to get cavities even without sugar. Sugar-free products might not cause cavities directly, but they can still lead to oral health problems if they are acidic, or you have too much. Eating a balanced diet, looking after your teeth properly, and going to the dentist regularly are all important for keeping your teeth healthy and stopping cavities.

Myth 10. Electric toothbrushes are an overpriced gimmick

Electric toothbrushes are often said to be very good at getting rid of bacteria and plaque from teeth because they move in circles, vibrate, and spin. People like them because they can clean hard-to-reach places well.

Electric toothbrushes have benefits like keeping the pressure of brushing consistent and having sensors to stop you from pressing too hard. But how well they work depends on how you use them and how often. If you use a normal toothbrush properly, it can also clean plaque and bacteria well. When you decide between an electric or normal toothbrush, think about what you like and need, like how well you can use your hands and any problems with your teeth. Both kinds of toothbrushes can keep your mouth healthy if you use them right and look after your teeth well.

By clearing up these misunderstandings, we aim to give you the confidence to look after your teeth better. Knowing the truth about oral health can help you feel more in charge. Remember, a healthy smile is just a matter of getting the facts right! So, share what you’ve learned and don’t let these myths make you worry at your next dentist appointment.