Published By: Admin

Exploring Oral Health Misbeliefs: Debunking Common Myths On World Oral Health Day

It’s the ge of internet where myths have become facts and facts are reduced to being myths.

With lots of information available, it is not easy to know which is true. When it comes to oral health, there are plenty of misconceptions floating around that could be causing more harm than good.

There are a lot of myths on the social media and other platforms nowadays related to your oral health. It’s time to be a myth-buster and seek the best for yourself. Let's separate fact from fiction to ensure your oral health stay in top-notch condition.

Myth: Sugar is the only cause of cavities

Fact: Yes, the age-old belief that sugar is solely responsible for cavities. While it's true that sugar plays a significant role in tooth decay, it's not the only culprit. Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and produce acid, which then erodes tooth enamel. However, other factors like poor oral hygiene, acidic foods and drinks, and even genetics can also contribute to cavity formation.

It's essential to remember that maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for check-ups can help prevent cavities regardless of your sugar intake.  While cutting back on sugary treats is beneficial for overall health, don't overlook the importance of a comprehensive oral care routine to keep those pesky cavities at bay.

Myth: Brushing harder will clean teeth better

Fact: Have you ever thought that the harder you brush your teeth, the cleaner they will be? It's a common misconception that vigorous brushing will result in a brighter smile. However, this myth can actually do more harm than good to your oral health. 

First of all, it is not a competition and teeth are not the strongest muscle to showcase your power. The fact is, the more gentle you are with your teeth, the more cleaner they will be. Brushing too hard can wear down enamel, leading to sensitivity and even cavities. Instead of focusing on forceful scrubbing, it is more important to use gentle yet thorough circular motions when brushing.

This technique effectively removes plaque and food particles without causing damage to your teeth and gums. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, take your time to clean each tooth properly and your oral health will thank you for being gentle yet effective with your brushing routine.

Myth: Brush immediately after eating

Have you ever heard the myth that brushing your teeth immediately after eating is the best way to maintain oral health? This is something that even our parents used to say, right. While it may seem like a good idea to get rid of food particles right away, this practice can actually be harmful to your teeth.

When we eat acidic foods or drinks, our enamel becomes temporarily softened. Brushing during this time can wear down the enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and even damage over time. It's important to wait at least 30 minutes after consuming acidic foods before brushing. This gives your saliva a chance to neutralize acids and allows your enamel to reharden, reducing the risk of erosion.

Myth: If teeth look fine, do not visit a dentist

Fact: ‘Who needs a dentist bro, I am not old’ – if your friend says this, you need to correct them. This is an ancient myth that only old people or someone with a severe oral health problem should visit a dentist.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. Even if your teeth appear to be in perfect condition, there could still be underlying issues that only a professional dentist can detect. By visiting your dentist regularly, you can prevent potential problems before they escalate into more serious issues. 

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to oral health. Let myths be the myths, keep the above-mentioned points in mind whenever a doubt comes to your mind.