6 Frequently Held Myths Regarding Teeth!

Good oral health is an integral part of general human health; however, over the years, a lot of misconceptions have surfaced regarding dental care. Due to misinformation or perhaps a certain degree of naivety, people avidly believe in these myths, which can seriously undermine oral health.

At the best dental clinic in Nagpur, we hear the most mind-boggling tales from our patients, and to set the record straight they are just plain wrong, so we feel it our obligation to debunk these myths as well as keep you far away from such false frequently held oral health myths.

6 Frequently Held Myths Regarding Teeth

1. Brushing Immediately After Eating

The idea behind this belief is to protect your teeth from decaying by cleaning and removing leftover food particles right after a meal. However, it may be a surprise that brushing right after eating may cause damage to your teeth. Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, harder than any bone, and it serves as a protective layer. Acids left by food soften the enamel and leave teeth at their weakest state right after you eat.

When the enamel is weakened by acids, even brushing with soft bristles can be abrasive. Saliva in your mouth helps to naturally wash away food particles and provides the enamel the balance and protection it needs. Saliva acts as an antibacterial substance and reduces the acidic level in your mouth.

Wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. In addition, brushing is encouraged twice a day for two minutes at a time.

2. Brushing Too Hard

People are pretty aware of their health, which is a good sign. However, due to the false and non-informed awareness, they do things that inadvertently damage their oral health. The same thing is the case when it comes to dental care. From our childhood, we have been made to believe that brushing harder will clean, whiten, and remove decay better from teeth.

Though very hard, your teeth still rest beside your gums. Brushing too hard pushes the gums out of sight, and since that portion of the gums covering the neck of the tooth never grows back, a constant invasion of bacteria thrives, fed by food particles lodging beneath it. This also provides very sensitive teeth due to its nerve being exposed. One must always use a toothbrush with soft bristles. The brushing should be always done gently and delicately as in circular motions.

3. White Teeth are Healthier than Yellow Teeth

The color of tooth enamel differs from individual to individual. Whiter teeth do not indicate anything about good or bad dental health. Many whitening products and treatments can make your smile brighter, but nothing can remove cavities or infections.

4. Teeth Cavities are Hereditary

People often blame genetics for weak teeth. The fact is most cavities are 100% preventable by taking good care of your mouth with oral hygiene.

5. Flossing or Brushing is harmful to the Gums

Many believe that brushing and flossing cause gums to bleed. In general, gums bleed due to inflammation and food particles left between the gums and teeth. Bleeding gums should not be considered normal and need to be examined right away.

Always be gentle and use a soft-bristled brush while brushing.

6. Regular Checkups are Not Necessary

A common opinion is that one's teeth are just fine, so they should not feel pain or discomfort and shouldn't bleed either. To a certain degree, this is an indicator of relatively good oral health; nonetheless, cavities and tooth decay, in most cases, can't be easily seen with the naked eye.

Some of the most common myths people like buying into are those concerning their teeth. It is always wise to consult a dentist before living by such unfounded rumors and leaving your oral health to chance.

Misconceptions about oral health can result in poor dental hygiene, resulting in oral diseases of a severe nature. The difference between facts and fiction should be drawn to ensure perfect oral hygiene. The most common myths about teeth are linked to either wrong information or a lack of understanding about how to take care of dental health. Myths can be exposed so that people can adopt healthier habits and knowledgeable practices in oral hygiene.

An example of what may unknowingly harm your teeth and gums includes brushing immediately after eating or brushing hard. White teeth are associated with having good oral health, but this is quite misleading because the color of our teeth differs from one person to another and does not necessarily reflect health. Also blaming genetics when you suffer from cavities or refraining from flossing and brushing because of the fear they may cause damage to the gums would only serve to worsen your oral health. Well, even if there is no pain or discomfort experienced, a regular dental visit is relevant.

The best dental clinic in Nagpur not only treats our patients but also enlightens them to dispel such myths for the betterment of oral health. Good brushing techniques, soft-bristled brushes, and regular visits to your dentist would possibly do wonders in improving your dental hygiene. It helps you the most in empowering yourself to manage your oral health by understanding that bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, or cavities are not an inherited quality or inevitable.

Such separation of truths from these myths held often about teeth leads to a much healthier smile and would have greater benefits for an individual's oral health. For the most accurate consultation about your needs, consult only professional dentists, and when it is about the belief in common misconceptions, abstain. The more you care now with all the knowledge, the better you will have tomorrow.