Maintaining good oral hygiene is not just about brushing your teeth every day. While this habit plays an important role in keeping you and your family’s choppers strong, it is still important to take extra effort in improving your dental health IQ. This is because in some cases, the things you think you know about oral health could do more harm than good.
Here are few dental health misconceptions you need to stop believing:
1. Baby teeth don’t require cleaning
While baby teeth eventually fall out, they perform an important function, which is maintaining a space in the jaws for the permanent teeth. Neglecting them can result in decay, causing the baby teeth to fall out a little too early. When this happens, it is likely for the adult teeth to drift into vacant space, making it harder for other teeth to find space when they erupt. This may result in crowding or crookedness.
This is why the American Dental Health Association (ADA) suggests starting oral care early on to protect your kid’s teeth. You can check out this post from ADA for ways on keeping your little one’s mouth healthy.
2. It is normal for gums to bleed
Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing may not hurt, but this does not mean that it is okay to ignore. This is because it could mean gingivitis or gum disease. This condition can progress and lead to tooth loss if not taken care of. If you notice that your gums are bleeding constantly, it is best to see your dentist for checkups and cleaning.
Gingivitis or gum disease is the common cause of bleeding gums, but it can also be due to brushing vigorously or aggressively. Using a hard or firm-bristled toothbrush can also be the culprit. This is why Meridian family dentists recommend brushing using gentle strokes and using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
3. Dry mouth is a natural part of aging
While it is true that dry mouth tends to be common in older people, anyone of any age can have this condition. Some of the causes include certain medical conditions like stroke, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s disease. It can also be due to autoimmune diseases, as well as cigarette smoking and alcohol use. It is best to determine the underlying cause of the problem to address dry mouth.
Drinking a lot of water can help, but it is still advisable to contact your physician or dentist if your mouth is painfully dry and uncomfortable. Ignoring the problem can lead to related consequences, such as gingivitis, tooth decay, and mouth infections.
4. Sugar rots your teeth
Sugar plays a role in the development of tooth decay, but it does not necessarily rot your teeth. Tooth decay is mainly due to the acid-causing bacteria in your mouth that mix with saliva to attack the teeth. The sugar from foods and beverages join forces with the bacteria in your mouth, which can then dissolve or damage the teeth.
This only makes it important to limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Don’t forget to brush your teeth every after a meal, but wait for at least 30 minutes before doing so. This is especially true if you eat something acidic, which puts the enamel in a compromised state. Brushing too soon can erode and damage the enamel.
Stop compromising you and your family’s oral health with these myths. It is best to trust your family dentist when taking good care of your dental health.
