Call Smile Perfection at (520) 293-2166 for all your dental needs.
Over the years, more and more myths have arisen regarding dental health. At Smile Perfection, we aim to help every patient achieve optimum oral health with professional dental services and oral health education.
No one knows more about oral health than your local Tucson dentist. Below are some of the most common dental myths to be aware of so you can protect your teeth and gums.
1. Cavities Come from Eating Sugar
One of the most common dental myths out there is that eating sugar causes cavities. However, sugar does not directly cause cavities; bacteria do.
Oral bacteria eat away your enamel by producing harmful acid. Since bacteria thrive with sugar, it can lead to tooth decay if you don’t brush your teeth.
While sugar is not the primary culprit of cavities, it is still not great for your teeth. Instead, think of sugar as the food that oral bacteria consume to grow and spread.
2. Brushing Your Teeth Harder Makes Them Cleaner
Many patients believe that brushing their teeth harder promotes better oral hygiene. However, this will cause more harm than good.
Brushing too aggressively can erode the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay or cavities. Gently brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal for protecting your teeth and maintaining optimum oral health.
Related Article: Types of Toothbrushes and When to Use Them
3. Charcoal Toothpaste Is Great for Your Teeth
Many patients are turning to charcoal toothpaste for better teeth whitening. Like baking soda, charcoal can remove surface-level stains.
However, it is an absorbent chemical, meaning that it can absorb different nutrients in your mouth. In addition, most charcoal toothpaste doesn’t have fluoride, which is essential to protect tooth enamel.
4. Baby Teeth Don’t Need Professional Check-Ups
Although baby teeth will eventually fall out, it is still crucial to take care of them. Baby teeth are just as susceptible to decay as adult teeth. Not only is this painful, but it can deteriorate your child’s overall oral health.
Routine check-ups are essential for preventing tooth decay, toothaches, and other common and painful problems. In addition, professional dental cleanings and exams help ensure proper dental growth and establish healthy oral hygiene habits.
5. Sugar-Free Gum Can Clean Your Teeth Just as Well as Brushing
While chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial, it does not clean your teeth as well as a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Chewing gum produces saliva, which is crucial for removing food debris and harmful acids from food. However, gum alone can’t remove plaque from your teeth. Brushing at least twice a day is vital for proper clean and healthy teeth.
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment Today
The dental professionals at Smile Perfection know all about the most common dental myths. We can help you learn more about preparing for a dental appointment and what to do if you have a cavity.
Our goal is to help you avoid potentially harmful habits and help you achieve your best and brightest smile. Call Smile Perfection at (520) 293-2166 to schedule an appointment in Tucson, AZ.
