Over time you have probably heard a lot of different things about teeth and oral health that sometimes seem too crazy to be true. Well, that’s because some of them aren’t true and they’re just myths. So what facts about teeth and oral health are myths?
Here some common oral health myths busted:
Myth #1: Sugar is causing most of your tooth decay.
Busted: While sugar definitely plays a role in tooth decay, it isn’t really the main cause. It turns out that consuming carbohydrates actually aids more in tooth decay. This is because tooth decay occurs when acids in our mouths combine with saliva creating plaque that builds up on our teeth. This process occurs more as we eat carbohydrates rather than sugars.
Myth #2: It’s ok if you have silver fillings.
Busted: Silver fillings, although much less common in recent years, can cause serious health risks. These fillings are often made with mercury which can be a very dangerous chemical to have in your mouth. The mercury from these fillings can seep into the mouth from grinding your teeth, chewing gum or even from drinking hot or carbonated beverages that wear away at the mercury. If you or someone you know still has silver fillings, these should be replaced by your dentist as soon as possible.
Myth #3: Brush your teeth right after every meal.
Busted: You should not be brushing your teeth immediately after you eat a meal. Brushing too soon after eating can actually weaken your enamel, especially if you ate anything that is high in sugar or has high acidity that is already harmful to your enamel. It is best to wait about 30 minutes after a meal to brush your teeth for the best oral health.
Myth #4: Your teeth are healthy as long as they don’t hurt.
Busted: Many people believe that pain in the mouth is the first warning sign that there is something wrong. This is not true. Pain is usually one of the last signs and this is why regular visits to the dentist are so important. Just because your teeth don’t hurt doesn’t mean you don’t have a cavity that can be taken care of in the early stages avoiding any pain at all.
Myth #5: It’s ok if your gums are bleeding, you probably brushed too hard.
Busted: Bleeding gums are not ok even if you did happen to brush a little too hard. When your gums bleed, your mouth is telling you that something is not right. Bleeding gums are a sign of an infection in your gums from a buildup of plaque in places your toothbrush can’t reach. This is where the importance of flossing comes in to help remove that plaque and decrease your chances of gum infections. If you begin flossing and the bleeding continues, it is best to make an appointment to see your dentist so they can get to the bottom of the problem.
Filed Under: Best Way To Floss
