Heard These 4 Oral Health Myths? A Dentist Explains the Truth

For better or worse, we’re currently living in the “Information Age” where we have limitless information at our fingertips at all times. Although this makes life better in many ways, one drawback is having to sift through fact and fiction to arrive at the truth. And information about your oral health is a perfect example! There are a lot of misconceptions about caring for your teeth and gums that can actually harm your smile if you don’t know the facts. And you can either ask a dentist in Midland for clarification or simply keep reading below!

1. “The Time of Day You Brush Doesn’t Matter”

To be clear, dentists and hygienists recommend brushing at least twice a day for two minutes. However, nighttime brushing is the most beneficial time of day. While you sleep, your salivary flow decreases and your mouth becomes dry. Saliva naturally protects against cavities because it neutralizes sugars and acids, but you lose this protection at night. That makes it extra important to thoroughly brush and floss to remove all the food debris from that day before heading to bed for 8 hours. 

2. “Gums Always Bleed When You Floss”

If you have bleeding every time you floss, it’s easy to think flossing is the culprit. But it’s important to understand the true cause of the problem. Gum inflammation includes symptoms like puffy, tender, and bleeding gums and is usually caused by plaque and bacteria that isn’t being adequately removed each day. 

If you only floss occasionally and find that your gums always bleed, it will stop with daily flossing. Remember, healthy gums won’t bleed from flossing, but unhealthy gums will! 

3. “You Need To Brush Hard To Get the Job Done”

Many people mistakenly think that brushing their teeth and gums hard is the best way to be thorough. But brushing too hard can actually lead to several problems down the road. First, it can cause the gums to recede, which exposes the sensitive root surfaces of your teeth. And, without a gum graft, the gums won’t return to their initial position. You can also wear away at your enamel over time, leading to temperature sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities. 

To prevent this, use a soft-bristled brush and light pressure. You may also consider getting an electric toothbrush. With the right technique, these toothbrushes apply much less pressure than a manual.  

4. “You Only Schedule Checkups When Something Hurts”

This is absolutely untrue! In many cases, cavities and gum disease don’t cause pain in the early stages. By the time you notice that there’s a problem, major damage may have already been done. By getting regular checkups, you’ll enable your dentist to find and treat most issues early, often before they cause any symptoms.

By knowing the truth about these 4 myths, you’ll make better choices in regard to your oral health. Ultimately, that will mean fewer cavities, healthier gums, and fresher breath…not to mention less dental work! 

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps is a family dentist in Midland with decades of experience and a graduate of Tufts University. As an advocate of patient education, she always helps her patients separate fact from fiction so they know the best ways to care for their teeth and gums. If you have any questions about your oral health, you can reach Dr. Phillips via her website.