There are many misconceptions about what it takes to keep your teeth healthy. Separate fact from fiction.
MYTH: The harder you brush, the cleaner you’ll get your teeth.
TRUTH: Brushing too hard or with too abrasive of a toothbrush (firm) can actually harm your teeth by eroding some of the hard enamel that protects the inside of the tooth from cavities and decay. We see this scenario often, but changing that habit today can prevent future erosion.
MYTH: Chewing sugar-free gum is as good as brushing your teeth.
TRUTH: Chewing sugar-free gum, particularly gum with xylitol, can have a protective effect on the teeth. Gum encourages salivation, which helps wash away enamel-eroding acids from foods, drinks, and even stomach acid in the case of Acid Reflux. But chewing gum doesn’t replace brushing and flossing when it comes to removing plaque from all surfaces of your teeth.
MYTH: When it comes to cavities, sugar is the main culprit.
TRUTH: When you think of cavities, you might think of lollipops, and other sweet and sticky treats. But crackers and chips might be even worse for your teeth. It has to do with the starch, and any carbohydrates in general — they have sugars which break down the teeth, but they also really stick to your teeth.
MYTH: If nothing is bothering you, you don’t need a dental checkup.
TRUTH: This is one of the biggest misconceptions in dentistry. With cavities and gum disease, you most often don’t feel the pain until it is advanced, and a MUCH bigger issue. If you wait until a cavity hurts to get it checked out, you could end up needing a root canal or extraction which may have been prevented with routine, preventive care.