Demystifying Common Dental Myths: What Your Dentist Wants You to Know
Introduction
As a dentist in Marlow, at Bridge Dental Surgeries we frequently encounter patients who hold various misconceptions about dental care. Today, we’d like to address some of the most common dental myths we hear in the practice and provide you with accurate information to help you maintain optimal oral health.
Sugar Is the Only Cause of Tooth Decay
While sugar certainly plays a significant role in tooth decay, it’s not the only culprit. Being a dedicated dentist in Marlow, we often explain to patients that any carbohydrate can be broken down by bacteria in your mouth to produce acid. This includes seemingly innocent foods like crackers and crisps. The real issue isn’t just what you eat, but how long these substances remain in contact with your teeth.
White Teeth Are Always Healthy Teeth
This is perhaps one of the most persistent myths we encounter in our practice. The natural colour of teeth varies from person to person, and perfectly healthy teeth aren’t necessarily brilliantly white. What’s more important is the overall health of your teeth and gums, rather than their shade.
Common Brushing Myths
Myth: Harder Brushing Equals Cleaner Teeth
As a dentist in Marlow, we frequently see the damage caused by overzealous brushing. Aggressive brushing can wear down tooth enamel and damage your gums. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush and gentle, circular motions to effectively clean your teeth without causing harm.
Myth: You Must Rinse After Brushing
Many people are surprised when we tell them that rinsing immediately after brushing isn’t recommended. Rinsing washes away the protective fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, simply spit out excess toothpaste and avoid rinsing, eating, or drinking for at least 30 minutes after brushing.
Baby Teeth Don’t Matter
We often hear parents say that baby teeth aren’t important since they’ll fall out anyway. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Baby teeth serve as crucial placeholders for permanent teeth and play a vital role in speech development and proper nutrition. Neglecting them can lead to problems that affect the development of adult teeth.
The Truth About Flossing
Many patients tell us they only floss when they feel something stuck between their teeth. However, daily flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Even if you can’t see anything trapped between your teeth, harmful bacteria can still be present.
Bleeding Gums Are Normal
Contrary to what many believe, bleeding gums are never normal. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, it’s typically a sign of gingivitis – an early stage of gum disease. This condition is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning, but shouldn’t be ignored.
Pain Is the Only Sign of Dental Problems
This is a dangerous myth that often leads to delayed treatment. Many serious dental issues develop without causing any pain in their early stages. This is why regular check-ups are crucial – they allow us to spot and address problems before they become painful or more serious.
The Impact of Age on Dental Health
There’s a common misconception that tooth loss is an inevitable part of ageing. With proper care and regular dental visits, you can maintain your natural teeth throughout your life. Age itself doesn’t cause tooth loss – it’s the accumulation of untreated dental problems that leads to this outcome.
The Role of Diet in Dental Health
While most people know to avoid sugary foods, many aren’t aware that timing matters as much as quantity. Constantly snacking throughout the day, even on healthy foods, keeps your mouth in an acidic state that can promote tooth decay. It’s better to eat at designated meal times and give your mouth a chance to neutralise between meals.