There are a lot of myths about teeth and gums that are still popular today. Unfortunately, most of these myths are dangerous since they convince people to neglect proper oral hygiene or timely treatment. You should understand that if you have a certain oral condition, it is better to contact your dentist rather than perform self-treatment. Here is a list of seven debunked myths about oral health that you shouldn't believe in.
Indeed, it is still better to brush your teeth at least once a day rather than not brush them at all. But you should understand that your mouth is full of bacteria that multiply and lead to the development of various oral issues. If you don't remove them in time, you can develop bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions that can significantly worsen your oral health. That's why it is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
Many people are aware of the importance of tooth brushing. Unfortunately, many of them tend to neglect the flossing routine. However, cleaning the interdental space with the help of dental floss is also essential. This is because food particles and dental plaque tend to get stuck between the teeth. As a result, the bacteria in your mouth thrive and harm your oral health.
Even though the myth about the negative effects of teeth whitening is quite old, it is still extremely popular. Many people are afraid to bleach their teeth since they think that this procedure can ruin their tooth enamel. However, modern dentistry provides a lot of teeth whitening options that are completely safe.
Many people tend to use various home remedies to treat tooth decay. Indeed, some of them can help ease a toothache caused by cavities but they don't cure tooth decay. If you have a cavity, don't delay your dental appointment. You should understand that only a dentist can remove the damaged tissues and feel the cavity to stop the progression of tooth decay and eliminate your symptoms.
There is a common misconception that mild gum bleeding that occurs during tooth brushing can be deemed normal. But you should understand that gums can bleed only if they are injured or inflamed. If you didn't injure your gums, such bleeding can be a sign of gum disease, a condition in which gums become inflamed because of bacteria overgrowth. Without timely and effective treatment, gum disease can progress and lead to severe complications like gum pockets and tooth loss.
It is important to understand that there are a lot of dental issues that can make your teeth hurt. For example, if you have fractured your tooth, it can cause severe toothache. In this case, you should visit an emergency dentist for pain medication and treatment. Conditions like gum recession, enamel erosion, gum disease, dental abscess, and chipped teeth can also manifest through a toothache.
Indeed, braces are the most common option that can help straighten shifted teeth. However, there are several ways that can help get the desired smile less obviously. Firstly, you can use transparent aligners. You should wear them for 20-22 hours a day. Secondly, you can get dental veneers. They are thin shells that are attached to the front side of your teeth. The only thing is that they can cope with severely crooked teeth.