Five Common Dental Myths
There is an abundance of information and advice on proper oral care. Unfortunately, in your search, you will encounter an array of myths and misconceptions. This can lead to complications in your oral health.
The team at HollowBrook Dental in Colorado Springs is committed to ensuring the best oral health for our patients. That is why we are here to debunk 5 of these dental myths.
Top 5 Dental Myths
Over the years, our patients have come to us with a variety of myths and misconceptions, including:
If your gums bleed when you floss, stop flossing
Proper oral care includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once. If you don’t floss regularly, your gums will likely bleed when you do. If your gums are bleeding when you floss, it is because they are inflamed. This inflammation happens due to bacteria and plaque buildup.
The truth is you should continue to floss. Eventually, the inflammation will clear up and the bleeding will stop.
You should brush hard to get your teeth clean
Your tooth enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, is the hardest substance in your body. It is designed to protect your teeth from damage. Brushing too hard or with a firm toothbrush can erode this enamel, increasing your risk of developing tooth decay.
The truth is you should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush, non-abrasive toothpaste, and avoid brushing too hard.
Tooth sensitivity is an indication that you’ve worn away too much of your enamel
While it’s true that sensitivity is a symptom of enamel loss, it may also be caused by receding gums or whitening toothpaste. The most common ingredient in these toothpastes is hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates through the enamel to remove stains, which can cause sensitivity.
If your tooth sensitivity is caused by whitening toothpaste, you can switch to a gentle toothpaste to relieve symptoms. If your enamel is significantly worn away, you may consider treatments such as dental veneers or dental crowns to protect teeth from additional damage.
Poor oral care habits only impact your teeth/mouth
Your oral care habits are critical not only for your oral health, but your overall health as well. Poor oral care habits can cause serious health complications such as:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Dementia
- Respiratory infections
- Diabetic complications
If you’re not having problems, you don’t need to visit the dentist
Many dental and oral health issues begin with little to no symptoms. This means that by the time you are in pain, it has already progressed. If you wait until you are in pain to visit the dentist, you may end up needing root canal treatment or extraction.
According to the American Dental Association, you should be visiting the dentist a minimum of every 6 months.
Schedule Your Check-Up and Cleaning Today
Dental check-ups and cleanings can help prevent a variety of oral health issues, as well as help with early diagnosis and treatment. If it’s been awhile, schedule your check-up and cleaning at HollowBrook Dental in Colorado Springs. Many of our patients agree that we are the Best Dentist in Colorado Springs. We offer a variety of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures for the entire family.
