Common Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Myths Debunked by Experts

Good dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing regularly, and routine dental cleanings, can help prevent tooth decay.

It also prevents gum disease leading to tooth loss and has been linked to other health problems such as heart disease, respiratory issues, and diabetes.

Lack of dental sanitation can also lead to bad breath, which can be awkward and influence social relations.

Despite the well-accepted rationale for maintaining good oral hygiene, many people fall prey to several misconceptions and myths regarding dental care that undermine their oral health. Some of the most common myths and misleading oral health issues clarified:

For Best Results, Brush Immediately After Eating

Many people believe brushing their teeth right after having a meal cleans the mouth and removes food debris from the teeth the best, prevents teeth from decaying, and avoids a host of oral health issues.

However, you may be surprised to learn that this practice can damage your teeth since they are at their weakest immediately after you have a meal since the acids in the food have a corrosive effect on the enamel protecting the teeth.

When you brush after a meal, the enamel can wear away faster. It is better to rinse your mouth and let the saliva wash away the food debris naturally.

Saliva also reduces the acidity in your mouth and contains antibacterial agents that help protect oral health. According to Dublin Dental Care Ohio, you should ideally wait at least half an hour before brushing.

Brushing Vigorously Gives the Best Results

Most people are aware of the need for brushing their teeth to maintain oral hygiene, however, many assume the harder they brush their teeth, the cleaner and whiter they will be and protect them from dental decay.

Unfortunately, by using a hard-bristle brush or by brushing forcefully, you tend to cause extra wear and tear on the enamel and your gums to recede.

The problem is that once the gums recede, they don’t grow back and expose the soft enamel of the teeth to the corrosive acids produced by the bacteria in the food particles in your mouth.

According to Forbes, over time, the dental nerves become exposed, resulting in tooth sensitivity and toothache. The best way to brush is to use a soft-bristled brush with gentle circular motions.

Brushing and Flossing Causes Gum Damage

You can only damage your gums if you brush or floss incorrectly. If you notice your gums bleeding after brushing, the cause is generally not the act of brushing but inflammation caused by infection by food particles in the mouth or plaque buildup.

Sometimes a new hard-bristled brush can cause gum bleeding, but if the bleeding persists, you should consult your dentist.

Conclusion 

Teeth are the strongest bones in your body and can withstand a lot of use. You can help protect their health and maintain oral hygiene by not believing everything you read or hear about dental health.

You can consult your dentist about the best practices of brushing and caring for your gums, how to avoid common problems like plaque, bad breath, and tooth decay, and what you can do at home for a naturally bright and confident smile.

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