6 Dental Myths That May Be Harming Your Teeth

Dental Myths Exposed

Dr Rachel Hall Kenmore dentist reveals the 6 top dental myths and why they are bad for your teeth.

The anxiety and stress that surrounds dentists and dental health have circulated a long list of dental myths supposed to alleviate our dental woes.

These myths have been passed by word of mouth and become deeply rooted in our culture to the point it becomes difficult to tell the difference between what is fact and what is fiction.

These dental myths can put our oral health in danger and prevent us from getting the proper dental care. It’s time to drill out the truth and sink your teeth into the most common dental care myths that may be harming your dental health.

Myth #1: Whiter Teeth Are Healthier Teeth

False: Your teeth may be white but this does not make your teeth healthy and often there can be infection or cavities between the teeth that do not show when you smile.

Pure white teeth do not equate to healthier teeth, although your teeth should most definitely be on the whiter side.

The natural colour of teeth varies from one person to another where people with healthy teeth could have darker teeth than the next person.

As we age our teeth become more discoloured, and this is also the case with teeth when they begin to break down and decay.

If you notice discolouration on your teeth you should get it checked.

Myth #2: Whitening/Bleaching Your Teeth Is Dangerous

False: Whitening is a popular service and with new technology, we can give you whiter smiles faster and safer than ever before.

Prior to 1990, the materials used to whiten teeth were acidic and would actually break down enamel, but now whitening materials are pH neutral and do not damage the enamel or root of the tooth.

When we whiten teeth at Evolve Dental Healing we use a natural whitening product that not only lightens your teeth it also helps to remineralise and strengthen them.

Myth #3: Brushing Your Bleeding Gums Is Bad

False: Brushing is not only good on teeth, but also on your gums and tongue.

Brushing these areas helps get rid of the plaque that causes inflammation and eventually gum disease. This plaque can cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed if it is not removed so brushing your gums even when they bleed helps to keep them healthy.

However, bleeding gums is a sign of disease and needs professional care and maintenance to be brought under control.

If you have sensitive gums don’t panic, simple brush gently with a very soft toothbrush.

Myth #4: Tooth Decay is all About Sugar

False: Sugar is bad for your teeth, but it’s not actually only the sugar that is hurting them.

Bacteria in the mouth needs sugars to survive, but if you don’t consume sugar but have poor oral hygiene habits, you will be prone to dental problems like tooth decay and especially gum disease.

Myth #5: Placing An Aspirin Next To A Tooth Will Alleviate Pain

False: Aspirin only works when it is in the blood stream, because it cannot get through the tooth enamel to get to the nerve.

It is not advised to place aspirin on your gums or oral gels to relieve gum pain because they can lead to burns on the soft delicate tissues.

Myth #6: Flossing Is Not Important

False: Flossing is an extra step many of us tend to skip after brushing our teeth but this can lead to the build-up of bacteria.

If you don’t floss, you are not cleaning almost 33% of the tooth surfaces that regular brushing can’t reach.

Bacteria in those hard to reach places can cause bad breath, gum disease, decay, and pain. Flossing is cheap, easy, and essential to oral health.

Separate fact from fiction and chew on these dental care myths to avoid tooth decay.

If you have bleeding gums, pain, discolouration or any concerns with your teeth and mouth call us today 07 3720 1811.