There are lots of myths and old wives tales about teeth and here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we have heard them all! But here are the top five myths busted just for you!
If my teeth don’t hurt, they must be healthy!
By the time that tooth decay erodes the surface of your teeth to the point that you feel pain, the decay is already quite advanced. Although your teeth may not be causing you pain, you could be suffering from early-stage tooth decay without even realising. By attending for regular dental appointments, the dentist will be able to identify any problems up to 5 years before they cause you pain. Reducing the risk of you needing expensive treatment.
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush will clean my teeth better.
Although you may feel like you are getting a more effective clean with a hard-bristled toothbrush, you may actually be damaging your pearly whites. Hard bristles can cause toothbrush abrasion, the tooth enamel to wear away and can damage your gums. A soft bristled toothbrush will clean the teeth effectively, without the risk of toothbrush abrasion and gum recession.
Diet fizzy drinks are okay as they contain no sugar.
Although they may contain less sugar, diet fizzy drinks still contain high levels of citric, carbonic, or phosphoric acid and can erode the surface of the tooth enamel, weakening the surface and increasing your risk of cavities.
You should brush your teeth immediately after eating.
It may seem like a good idea to brush your teeth immediately after eating to remove any food particles from your teeth and to minimise the amount of time your teeth are under attack from acid causing bacteria. But brushing within an hour of finishing a meal can actually damage your tooth enamel which softens after eating!
Have a baby, lose a tooth.
It’s true that a woman’s oral health is at greater risk during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can make tooth decay, infections, and gum disease more likely.
But that doesn’t mean you’re fated to lose a tooth! If you maintain a good oral
care routine, follow a healthy diet, and keep up with your routine dental appointments, you can lessen your risk of many different dental issues.
If you would like to find out more information on keeping your teeth healthy. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029to book an appointment.
