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Common Dental Myths – Debunked!

Let’s be real, there are many myths and misconceptions in this world. Today, let’s focus only on dental myths! It’s normal to think you know what’s best for your teeth since there’s ample information online and so much is told to us by others. But remember, some of these are myths flown through word of mouth and some have been passed down to us from a very young age. So, let’s get this straight by debunking some of the most common dental myths.

MYTH 01: BRUSH YOUR TEETH VERY HARD TO GET THEM CLEAN

This is one of the most misleading pieces of information on dental health. Brushing too hard or with a coarse brush will do more harm than good. When you brush hard every day, it will erode the enamel of the tooth which protects the inside of the tooth from cavities and decay. It will also wound your gums and make them recede. So, do not do this! Always use a soft bristle toothbrush and gently brush your teeth.

MYTH 02: FLOSSING IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS BRUSHING

Brushing is important, but flossing regularly is equally important. Flossing prevents plaque from forming easily in between your teeth and along the gum line. Hence, this decreases the risk of developing cavities and gum diseases which will affect your oral health. Did you know that a toothbrush cannot always clean food debris that is stuck in between the teeth? This is why flossing is the only best way to get rid of trapped food. Therefore, apart from regular brushing, flossing is an important procedure to follow for a complete brushing routine.

MYTH 03: DENTAL X-RAYS ARE DANGEROUS

Have you been wondering if dental x-rays are safe? The answer is YES. Dental x-rays are safe, and protected and are used for the benefit of your oral health in the short term and long term. As opposed to general belief, the radiation used for dental X-rays is safe in approved doses. The amount of radiation you are exposed to during a dental x-ray is minimal and all safety procedures and preventive measures will be taken to assure that you are not exposed to severe radiation that would cause health issues.

MYTH 4: CROWNS & FILLINGS PROTECT AGAINST FUTURE TOOTH DECAY

Crowns and fillings will indeed protect your teeth, but they don’t protect against everything – all the time! Crowns and fillings cannot protect your teeth against gum disease when bacteria reach underneath the gum line and begin attacking the teeth. Therefore, don’t skip good oral care because you have crowns and/or fillings in your teeth. Make sure to take care of your crowns and fillings – just like how you should take care of normal teeth.

So, there you have it! Do not trust everything that appears on the internet or is told by everyone. Always consult your trusted dentist and get it verified. After all, following the correct dental tactics that work is all you need!