Dental Hygiene Myths Debunked

There is a lot of misleading information that gets spread about dental hygiene; some that have people worrying too much, which does not help when they already have anxiety about visiting a dentist, and others that have people too relaxed about the things that they should be worried about. This article will debunk some of those myths and clear things up so you know how to properly care for your teeth.

The More You Brush – The Healthier the Teeth

This is false. While it is necessary to brush your teeth twice daily, exceeding this too frequently can do more harm than good for two minutes. Being too rough with the toothbrush can weaken the enamel, which serves to protect your teeth. This can lead to sensitivity and damage. If you are eager to keep your teeth clean, swap out the extra brushing for a mouthwash rinse instead.

Avoid Your Gums when Brushing

Too much brushing on the gums can cause irritation and damage, but this does not mean that you should brush too far away. The gum line is the area that harbors the most bacteria, so it is important to thoroughly clean all areas of your teeth – just be gentle and avoid overly stiff bristles on a toothbrush.

Brushing Your Teeth is Not as Important when You Are Older

Dental health issues have no age limit, and a strong oral hygiene routine should always be maintained to reduce the risk of dental issues such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease that can lead to various health complications.

Alongside an at-home dental routine, the specialists at northwickmanordental.co.uk recommend a check-up visit to the dentist every 6 months for examinations and any necessary treatment.

My Toothbrush Still Looks Fine at 3 Months So It Does Not Need Replacing

Many people believe that if they are unable to notice a visible difference in their toothbrush, then it is of adequate quality to continue using it. However, it is always safest to follow expert advice and replace it at the 3-month mark to be cleaning your teeth properly. It is possible that when being stored, your toothbrush has accumulated bacteria and that the bristles have been weakened. If you have been unwell or have had dental hygiene problems, it should be replaced even more frequently.

Chewing Gum Can Replace Brushing

Sugar-free gum is fine to chew alongside an adequate dental routine, and it encourages saliva production to flush away bacteria and acids, but it is not suitable for replacing brushing. It does not achieve the same cleanliness as brushing does, and plaque and bacteria build-up will remain.

Flossing is Useless

Many people ditch flossing from their routine, believing that brushing and rinsing with mouthwash is effective enough. This is not the truth. Dental floss reaches smaller spaces that are otherwise left harboring bacteria, so it is highly beneficial to incorporate it into your daily routine for best results.

The overall message to take away from this is that you should be brushing twice a day for two minutes, replacing your toothbrush on a regular basis, rinsing with mouthwash when you feel the need to brush throughout the day and stop ignoring the benefits of flossing!