Here Are Some Common Dental Misconceptions That You Should Know About

There are many misconceptions that people believe about dental care. If you have had challenges with your teeth or gums, then it is important for you to be careful about the following myths that could be misleading:

It is normal for your gums to bleed

This is a very common myth. Bleeding gums should never be taken as normal. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, then the problem could be inflammation due to the onset of a gum infection. Bleeding gums are not a good sign; make an appointment to visit a professional who is experienced in general dentistry in Victoria.

You can replace brushing your teeth with chewing gum

Some people believe that you can chew gum instead of brushing your teeth because they think it has the same effect. This is very untrue; chewing sugar free gum can help to freshen your breath and give you better oral health, but it does not have the same effect as brushing. You need to brush your teeth even after you have chewed gum.

You do not need to floss your teeth

This is another common misconception; many people believe that brushing teeth is enough and there is no need to floss. The truth is that flossing is a vital part of keeping plaque at bay. Research has shown that flossing removes 80% of the plaque on the teeth. This means that flossing daily will prevent the teeth from developing cavities.

There is no need to brush baby teeth on children

This is a myth that has caused some people to experience oral health problems from childhood into adulthood. The truth is that children should start brushing their baby teeth as soon as the teeth have fully grown. This will prevent tooth decay and promote healthy teeth and gums after the baby teeth have shed.

There is no need to visit a dentist if you do not have a dental problem

This misconception has caused many patients to suffer for a long time because of dental problems that have progressed. It is prudent for you to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a routine check even if you do not have any obvious symptoms. Minor dental problems can be detected early and addressed; this will save you both time and money in the long run.

Vigorous brushing cleans your teeth better

Some people believe that the harder they brush, the cleaner their teeth become. Brushing your teeth too hard can actually damage your enamel and gum over time; this may result in other complications such as receding gums. Brushing should be done gently for two minutes with a soft toothbrush.

In conclusion, if you had believed any of the above dental myths, it is important that you discard them and focus on the facts.