The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day to keep them in good shape. On average, that’s nearly 80 days spent brushing our teeth throughout our lives. With as much time as we spend caring for our pearly whites, there are certainly a lot of rumors regarding oral health in circulation. To help you celebrate fiction from fact, here are six dental myths in Chardon – busted!
Myth #1: Brushing Hard Makes Your Teeth Cleaner
To clean their teeth as effectively as possible, many patients utilize an aggressive brushing technique. This can irritate your gums as well as wear away your enamel, which makes your teeth more susceptible to decay. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently clean the surface of each of your teeth to remove plaque buildups and food particles.
Myth #2: Flossing Isn’t Important Anymore
When you skip flossing, you miss cleaning roughly 40% of the surface of your teeth, and cavities are more likely to develop between them. So, in other words, this myth couldn’t be any less true!
Myth #3: If Your Gums Bleed When Flossing, Leave Them Alone
If you don’t floss regularly, your gums may bleed when you do. Though many people believe this is a sign that they should leave them alone, it’s actually an indication of the opposite. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which cause gum irritation. If your gums continue to bleed after incorporating flossing into your daily dental hygiene routine, schedule an appointment to see your dentist.
Myth #4: Sugar Is the Main Cause of Cavities
It’s important to consume sugary things in moderation, but it’s equally as vital to avoid other cavity-causing foods and beverages like sports drinks and chips. Whenever possible, opt for tooth-healthy foods like leafy greens, apples, and carrots.
Myth #5: Gum Disease Only Affects the Mouth
Gum disease may be a sign that you have other health issues like diabetes, hypertension, or certain types of cancer. It’s essential to your oral and overall health to take it seriously and receive treatment as soon as possible.
Myth #6: If Nothing Hurts, You Don’t Need to Visit the Dentist
Skipping your biannual dental visits due to a lack of symptoms can harm your health. Bacteria from a neglected tooth infection can enter your bloodstream and damage your vital organs. Additionally, avoiding these appointments may also allow non-dental issues to fly under the radar. Since 90% of health concerns have oral symptoms, your dentist may be able to detect conditions like HIV, osteoporosis, and diabetes in their early stages.
With the above dental myths in mind, it’s important to keep up with good oral hygiene at home and to visit your dentist twice per year for cleanings and checkups. These things will allow you to keep your oral and overall health in tip-top shape!
About the Author
If you’re tired of having to visit different dentists for each member of your family, you’re in luck! Chardon Smile Center administers the expert dental care your family deserves regardless of age and focuses on providing comfortable, budget-friendly treatment. If you have any questions about the validity of something you read online regarding dental health, they can help separate myth from reality and teach you how to better care for your teeth. To schedule an appointment, visit Chardon Smile Center’s website or call their office at (440) 286-2474.