You’d be amazed at some of the misconceptions that I hear from my patients from time to time. It’s not their fault though! There’s a lot of confusing and conflicting information out there about dental care and oral health. So, let’s go ahead and debunk some of the most common dental myths!
Harder Brushing = Cleaner Teeth
This is one that makes us dentists cringe! Brushing too hard does not clean your teeth better. In fact, it can be harmful to your enamel and your gums. Always use a soft-bristled brush or a Sonicare and use a circular motion to clean all the surfaces of your teeth. This will keep your entire mouth much, much happier!
If You Can’t Brush, Just Chew Gum!
Wouldn’t that be wonderful? While sugar-free gum — especially the kind that contains xylitol — can help protect teeth, chewing gum cannot replace brushing and flossing. When you chew gum, you make more saliva, which can help wash away acids that can erode the enamel on the teeth. So, (sugar-free) gum is not all bad, but it definitely doesn’t do as good of a job as brushing and flossing!
Sugar Causes Cavities
If you’re turning down extra servings of sweets, you probably think you’re doing a great thing for your teeth, right? Well, it’s always good to practice moderation, but don’t be fooled. When it comes to cavity-causing foods, crackers, chips, and other carbs might actually be WORSE for your teeth than candy! Starches in carbohydrates can stick to your teeth and do more damage than straight-up sugar can.
No Pain, No Check-Up Needed
As a dentist, it’s concerning how many people think they only need to make an appointment when they feel pain. Many dental issues don’t trigger pain right away, and by the time you feel something, the situation could be much worse than if we caught it at your six month checkup. For instance, a simple cavity could turn into an extraction or root canal. It’s always best to keep those six month checkups a regular part of your schedule to get ahead of any issues before they become more serious.
At Sugar Fix Dental Loft, we offer a full array of cosmetic dentistry services in addition to Invisalign, including same-day crowns, porcelain veneers, and sedation dentistry. If you’re in need of a six month cleaning or want to talk about a smile makeover, give us a call at (773) 883-1818.