There are all sorts of misconceptions out there about keeping your teeth clean. And most of it is very, very wrong. We here at Rathi Dental Care have sorted through the mess to help set you oral hygiene routine straight. Check out the following teeth cleaning myths to separate fact from fiction.
Myth #1: Brush Often
You probably think that brushing often during the day can help you keep your teeth cavity free. But over-brushing or brushing very aggressively can be harmful to your teeth because it wears them down making it sensitive. Stick to brushing your teeth twice a day, and remember to always rinse after eating.
Myth # 2 : No oral health concern means no need for exam
Getting a regular check up by your dentist is the best way to spot trouble before it starts. The longer the problems go undetected or untreated, the harder they are to treat when you start experiencing problems. 6 monthly dental check-ups for adults and kids are the best way to maintain optimal oral health — so even if you don’t notice any problem, it’s best to still schedule routine dental check-ups.
Myth #3: Avoid using toothbrush and floss if your gums bleed
If your gums are painful and bleeding, you probably tend to wait for them to heal before you brush and floss. Sometimes, you may even resort to brushing with fingers. But that is not what you should do! In fact, if you brush & floss properly, your gums will heal sooner. You need to clean bleeding gums to get rid of the plaque that’s irritating them. Your probably need a professional cleaning by your dentist to help you gums heal faster. The better you brush and floss, the healthier and less painful your gums will be.
Myth #4: Clean Before Your Appointment; Your Dentist Won’t Notice
Brushing and flossing before the appointment is definitely a good idea but its easy for your dentist to understand your oral hygiene game by examining your gums and teeth. If you haven’t been taking good care, your gums would be red and swollen but chunks of deposits and stains around your teeth. So, be honest with us about your level of care, and it will be a better experience all around.
Myth #5: No Teeth Means No Need for Dental Care
Have you postponed taking your child to the dentist because he or she does not have a tooth yet? Just because your child’s first tooth has not erupted does not mean you don’t still need to care for their mouth and gums. It is important for children be taken to the dentist by age 1 in order to help establish a healthy dental routine and to pacify them to.
Myth #6: A Hard-Bristled Brush Cleans Teeth better
Scrubbing your teeth with a hard bristled toothbrush? Scrubbing aggressively does not clean faster or better. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush so you don’t damage your gums by over-brushing.
Myth #7: Replace Your Toothbrush Every Year
Not true! You should replace your toothbrush every three months, or even sooner if the bristles looks worn out or frayed. This well ensure effective cleaning.
Myth #8: White Teeth Are Healthy & Don’t Need Much Care
White teeth are definitely nice for the photos but it does not necessarily mean that is healthy and it doesn’t need much care. Teeth come in many different shades, and no matter what color they are, it’s important to brush them twice and get it checked to avoid possible complications.
Myth #9: Pregnant Women Should Avoid Brushing & Flossing
This is an old wives’ tale and false. It’s very important for pregnant women to keep up their oral hygiene throughout pregnancy as hormonal rush during pregnancy can exaggerate the inflammatory condition of gums. Pregnancy gingivitis is also common, so be sure to stick to your regular exam schedule.
Dr. Shruti is a Periodontist and Implantolgist with a decade of experience in providing patients with painfree dental treatments. She completed her BDS in 2014 from Maharashtra University of health Sciences and MDS from Rohtak University, Gurgaon. She has experience in patient management from different cultural and regional background as she has worked in Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Indianapolis (USA). Additionally, she has done extensive research on bone regeneration from Indianapolis (USA). She has several national and international papers to her credit. As a Periodontist, she is well-trained in Laser Dentistry and is expert on diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases. Know more about her. Click here