7 Common Myths About Oral Hygiene You Shouldn’t Believe In
If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene. Even though there is a lot of proven information about oral care, many people still popularize various myths and misbeliefs about oral hygiene. To help you improve the condition of your teeth and gums, we have gathered these seven common myths about oral hygiene you shouldn't believe in.
1. You can brush your teeth once a day
It is extremely important to understand that your mouth is full of bacteria. Some of them are “good” while others are quite harmful. If you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, the number of “bad” bacteria increases. That’s why you need to brush your teeth not only in the morning, but in the evening. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste is recommended by the American Dental Association.
2. Poor oral hygiene can only cause bad breath
Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative consequences of poor oral hygiene in addition to bad breath. As mentioned above, insufficient oral care can lead to the overgrowth of bad bacteria. This can result in enamel erosion, increased teeth sensitivity, tooth dislocation, tooth decay, and gum disease.
3. Flossing is not essential
Many people think that tooth brushing is enough to keep their teeth completely clean. But the reality is that it can be quite difficult to clean interdental spaces with a regular toothbrush. So food particles can accumulate there and promote bacteria overgrowth. Using dental floss daily helps keep your interdental space clean and prevents the development of cavities between your teeth (that are deemed the most common type of tooth decay).
4. You need to brush your teeth hard
There is a common misconception that the harder you brush your teeth, the cleaner they are. But you should understand that aggressive tooth brushing is quite harmful to your teeth and gums since it can cause enamel wear and gum recession. That’s why you need to brush your teeth thoroughly, but not aggressively.
5. Chewing gum can replace tooth brushing
Gum chewing is not an alternative for brushing your teeth. Some chewing gums can help you keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh, and some dentists even advocate chewing sugar-free gums instead of sweets. However, while certain chewing gums can help with oral health, they aren't quite up to the task of replacing tooth brushing on a regular basis.
6. You can brush your teeth with baking soda to make them cleaner
Some people believe that using baking soda instead of toothpaste can help make their teeth as clean as possible. Indeed, baking soda has antibacterial properties, but it can also damage your tooth enamel. You can still use it for rinsing your mouth or occasionally add a pinch of baking soda to your toothpaste to remove surface stains.
7. People who maintain proper oral hygiene don’t have any oral issues
Unfortunately, proper oral hygiene can’t guarantee perfect oral health. There are many other factors that can worsen the condition of your teeth and gums. The most common of them include bad habits, poor nutrition, heredity, some health issues, hormonal fluctuations, and aging. That’s why it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and visit a dentist regularly to promote your oral health and treat all the oral issues in time.
The bottom line
You should understand that proper oral hygiene is a key factor in excellent oral health. But it should be accompanied by a healthy diet, absence of bad habits, and regular dental check-ups. This can help you prevent the development of various oral issues and keep your smile stunning.
