There is a lot of dental advice we hear about over the years—some true, some questionable, and some completely outdated. Is sugar the biggest cause of cavities? Does whitening toothpaste actually work? And do you really need to replace your toothbrush every three months?
When it comes to your toothbrush, it is one of the most important tools for maintaining good oral health, but how often should you actually replace it? Many people keep using the same toothbrush for far too long, without realising that worn-out bristles can be less effective at cleaning and may even harbour bacteria.
But alas, the debate has been settled, as according to the NHS, we should replace our toothbrush every three to four months.
Dr. Smita Mehra, BDS MFGDPRC, Principal Dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practices, explains to Digital Journal about some common myths pertaining to oral health.
Baby teeth aren’t important because they fall out
Many people assume that taking care of baby teeth is not as important, due to their temporary nature, and the fact that permanent adult teeth will eventually replace them.
However, it’s essential to teach your children from a young age the habit of daily brushing and flossing to prevent oral health issues. That’s because tooth decay and cavities in baby teeth can not only affect the formation of the adult teeth under the gums but also lead to speech impediments and other communication issues. If multiple baby teeth need extracting, this problem worsens due to gaps and other teeth moving into the gaps.
Brushing harder makes your teeth cleaner
While it is important to brush your teeth thoroughly, brushing too hard can cause more harm than good.
Brushing with too much force can wear down the enamel, and increase tooth sensitivity. It can also damage your gums, causing them to bleed and eventually recede. Instead, it’s best to use a soft/medium-bristled toothbrush and avoid applying too much pressure when you brush.
Teeth whitening will damage your teeth
It’s often assumed that whitening teeth can damage teeth and gums, and increase sensitivity. This can be true if using certain at-home, DIY whitening kits. Over-bleaching using at-home kits can not only destroy tooth enamel, but also cause chemical burns to gums, and even lead to oral infections.
However, having your teeth professionally whitened at a dental practice is a safe way to ensure healthy and long-lasting results, without compromising your teeth and enamel. Dentists carrying out professional teeth-whitening treatments know how to prepare the mouth, and how to achieve results safely without dehydrating or damaging the teeth.
White teeth are healthy teeth
Many people assume that as long as teeth are white, they are healthy. However, teeth can look healthy, and bright white, while still having underlying issues.
That’s because many oral health conditions don’t cause discolouration of the teeth, such as gum disease or bruxism (teeth grinding). Alternatively, teeth may have previously been a darker shade, but have been whitened to improve their appearance; however, this doesn’t address the underlying reasons for the initial discolouration.
Charcoal toothpaste is better than normal toothpaste
Charcoal toothpaste is increasingly popular on social media, with many people promoting the toothpaste as better for your teeth. There is little evidence to support these claims, and charcoal toothpaste can actually have certain detrimental effects on your teeth.
The most important ingredient in toothpaste for preventing tooth decay by making the enamel more resistant is fluoride, and most charcoal toothpaste doesn’t contain enough of it. They are also known for being too abrasive for everyday use and can begin to wear down enamel if overused.
Brushing your teeth right after eating is good for your oral health
Some believe that brushing teeth immediately after eating or drinking will keep them clean, and healthy, and prevent discolouration.
However, after eating and drinking, the pH level in the mouth changes, making teeth weaker and more prone to damage. This means that brushing your teeth straight after food and drink can potentially damage your enamel. Instead, it’s recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before you brush.
Dental health doesn’t affect my overall health
Many people believe that dental health and general health have no connection, but they are actually connected in more ways than one.
Your mouth can be a good indicator of your overall health and can show signs of underlying conditions or issues you might not even be aware of yet. Alternatively, issues with bad oral hygiene that can lead to gum disease, can also increase your risk of diseases in other areas of the body, like heart disease.
Braces are just for kids and teenagers
Braces are often associated with adolescent children or teenagers, largely due to braces being more common during these years. This is because younger people’s teeth are not fully developed, making braces more effective in moving teeth in the right direction and place.
However, your teeth can be successfully adjusted with braces at any age. It may take slightly longer to achieve the desired results with adult teeth, due to the bones being more solid.
Sugar is the only cause of cavities
While sugar is a big contributor to cavities in the teeth, it is not the only factor, and having a sugar-free diet doesn’t mean you are going to prevent ever developing cavities.
Many other elements can contribute to cavities in your teeth, this includes things like acidic foods, poor oral hygiene, sugar-free fizzy drinks, alcohol, and failure to floss.
Electric toothbrushes are an overpriced gimmick
Electric toothbrushes are very effective at removing bacteria and plaque from your teeth. The rotating, oscillating, and vibrating movements of the bristles mean that hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly cleaned.
Using an electric toothbrush also provides consistent pressure when brushing, and often has pressure sensors that alert you if you’re brushing too hard. This can prevent you from pressing down too hard and causing damage to your gums and enamel.
