There are a lot of common misconceptions about dental health. While some are so minor that it’s almost okay to believe in them, some can also be detrimental to our dental health if we start believing and practicing them. These dangerous misconceptions are very misleading and may even result in your dental health declining rapidly.

This article will discuss common dental misconceptions and why we shouldn’t believe them. Let’s start.

Teeth Whitening is Damaging

One common misconception about teeth whitening is that it damages your teeth, specifically your enamel. Contrary to popular belief, however, teeth whitening is very safe, especially if done by a reputable dentist. You can even ask your dentist where to acquire a professional at-home teeth whitening kit.

They can even demonstrate using it if they have it on hand. Perhaps the basis of these misconceptions is the fake teeth-whitening products in the market that cause enamel damage to people. That said, before you buy one yourself, you must verify if the product is dentist-recommended; better yet, you can ask your dentist about it.

You Don’t Need to Visit the Dentist As Often

The exact number of dental visits annually is still largely debatable, but for kids, it should be every six months or twice a year. The exact number is still unknown for adults, but it’s recommended to do the same.

Also, it’s crucial to check around your mouth now and then, and if you notice something weird or concerning inside your mouth, you should visit the dentist immediately.

You should also go there for accidents such as chipped, broken, or lost teeth. Luckily, all dental clinics in the US are equipped for dental emergencies and other extensive procedures. However, if you prefer to get treatment for your teeth overseas, for example, an alignment procedure, finding Invisalign providers in Australia is a popular option for many.

Sugar Causes Cavities

While it may seem like sugar is the main culprit of cavities, in truth, it’s the acid-producing bacteria that consume glucose that cause cavities. They feed on sugar and carbohydrates, so brushing and flossing your teeth is always important. However, it’s still a good idea not to consume too much sugar.

Tooth Loss is Genetics

The short answer to this is no, tooth loss isn’t genetics. In fact,  it’s avoidable. In most cases, the leading cause of tooth loss is cavities, which are easy to prevent. Similarly, having bad teeth is not genetic as well. This is also preventable with proper dental hygiene.

Both tooth loss and bad teeth can be prevented at a young age through regular dentist visits. In itself, good dental hygiene is very effective if you don’t want to suffer from tooth loss or bad teeth in the future.

Flossing Isn’t as Necessary as Brushing

You are dead wrong if you think brushing is enough to keep your teeth healthy. Our toothbrushes can only do so much. They have short bristles, which means there are areas they can’t reach, especially in the gaps between your teeth. In fact, not flossing increases your chances of getting oral diseases like tooth decay, gingivitis, etc.

The American Dental Association or ADA recommends flossing at least once a day. It’s a necessary measure that is a good complement for brushing teeth. In short, flossing completes your brushing routine. It’s crucial and should be taken seriously by kids and adults alike.

The Harder You Brush, the Cleaner Your Teeth Will Be

Nope, this isn’t true. Most people nowadays know that brushing their teeth is very important, but only a handful of people know how to brush them properly. This lack of knowledge is the leading cause of why people believe that brushing their teeth aggressively is necessary, but it’s counterproductive.

Aggressive brushing is very damaging, especially to your enamel. Not only that, but your gums aren’t safe from it as well. Some people would also believe brushing their teeth aggressively could make them whiter, which isn’t true.

But with all that said, how do you exactly correctly brush your teeth? 

When brushing, avoid making a sawing motion (up and down or left and right). You should brush your teeth in a circular motion. Of course, cleaning the front, back, top, and side is also essential.

So, in conclusion, brushing your teeth too hard isn’t good for your teeth. It just puts you at a greater risk of damaging your teeth and gums, making them more prone to tooth decay and gingivitis.

Final Words

Your dental health is something that should be checked frequently. This is especially true since your oral health is linked to many other diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, etc. To keep your pearly whites safe and sound, always maintain their cleanliness and visit your dentists at least twice a year.