By the time they reach adulthood, most patients think they know everything they need to know in terms of dental care. After all, you’ve been brushing the same set of teeth for years and you (hopefully) have a basic understanding of what it takes to maintain a healthy smile. You may be surprised to learn, however, that there are many common misconceptions about dental health.
At Gilreath Family Dentistry, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular dental myths. We hope that by debunking these myths, you can understand and care for your smile better than before:
A hard-bristled brush is better: FALSE.
Harder is not always better when it comes to brushing your pearly whites. In fact, scrubbing aggressively or using a hard-bristled brush can cause more harm than good. To avoid damage to your tooth enamel and delicate gum tissues, use a soft or medium-bristled brush and moderate-pressure strokes.
Braces are for teenagers: FALSE.
While adolescents make up the large majority of orthodontic patients, adults can benefit from smile straightening treatments too. Find out more about discreet and convenient options like Invisalign for adults!
Getting older means losing teeth: FALSE.
Wrinkles and missing teeth don’t have to go hand in hand. In fact, your teeth are designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
Gum recession is normal: FALSE.
If you are suffering from receding gums, don’t assume it is just an unavoidable or natural part of aging. Gum recession can be caused by many different factors but it is most often preventable.
Cavities are caused by too much sugar: FALSE.
We’ve all been taught that sugar causes tooth decay. The truth is, sugar itself isn’t the culprit to cavities. Rather, it is the acids produced by the sugar when it is digested by certain bacteria.
Sugar-free soda is okay for your teeth: FALSE.
Once you understand the risk of acids, it won’t be hard to accept the danger that sugar-free (or Diet) sodas pose to your teeth. Diet sodas often contain phosphoric acid, citric acid and tartaric.
Are there other dental myths that you are believing? Let us set the record straight about your dental health. Call Gilreath Family Dentistry today to schedule your visit with us!
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,