You must have heard the joke about brushing meticulously just before going to the dentist. It ain’t gonna help improve your oral hygiene nor your standing with the dentist. It is a daily process (yes, boring I know), and the earlier you incorporate it into your lifestyle, the better the results will be. Here are 5 myths about oral care and hygiene:
- Brushing using more force or for longer periods results in cleaner teeth. This is not true. It is the technique of brushing that is important. The right technique ensures removal of plaque without excessive abrasion of the enamel on your teeth. Brushes that get worn out in a month indicate you are applying too much pressure on your teeth while brushing.
- An expensive toothbrush does a better job at cleaning teeth. Not all costly brushes are better. It really depends on your requirement. If you have sensitive teeth, it is recommended to go for a soft brush. Since they are less abrasive, preserving your teeth better. If you are a person who brushes very hard, you too are recommended a soft brush, to reduce the damage caused to your teeth or gums. But if you feel that your oral hygiene, is on the decline because of your brush, change it immediately. Left over food debris can become calculus, affecting the health of your gums.
- The amount of sweets you eat are directly proportional to the number of cavities you get. Though dietary factors play a major role in the development of caries, the more important factor would be your brushing efficiency. The longer the sweets remain in contact with your teeth after eating, more chances of them getting demineralized. So make sure you brush and floss them off your teeth promptly, to prevent cavities.
- It is okay if there is slight bleeding when I brush. This is not true. It is an indication that something is not right with the health of your teeth. It could be due to an improper brushing technique, injuring your gums in the process. Or it maybe an indicator of inflammation of the gums, due to plaque accumulation. It can also be caused by an underlying health condition. Whatever the cause, make an appointment with your dentist.
- I don’t need to floss the teeth that have a filling or a crown (cap). That is not true. For healthy gums, it is essential to floss your teeth. This removes all the plaque from the areas in between teeth. If not removed properly, the food debris and plaque can lead to cavities and calculus deposition in the region. Check with your dentist as to what is the appropriate way to floss these regions without dislodging the crown or restoration.
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