MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT ORAL HEALTH CARE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

One of our challenges at AHOA is to provide you with accurate and truthful information so that you can take care of your oral health effectively. Therefore, we are going to debunk some of the myths about dental care. We will clarify some of the most common ones so that you can make good decisions regarding your dental health.

Myth 1: It’s good to brush your teeth right after eating.
Fact: Not always. If you’ve eaten acidic foods (such as citrus fruits, tomatoes or soft drinks), it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. This is because acid temporarily weakens tooth enamel, and brushing right away can wear it away. Instead, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid before brushing.

Myth 2: Teeth whitening damages teeth.
Fact: Professional whitening treatments performed under the supervision of a dentist are safe. They use products specifically designed to remove stains without affecting tooth structure. However, abusing unsupervised whitening products or whitening too often can cause tooth sensitivity.

Myth 3: Bleeding gums during brushing is normal.
Fact: Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation or periodontal disease, such as gingivitis. If your gums bleed regularly, it is important to see your dentist for a checkup. Good gum care and regular cleaning can prevent more serious problems.

Myth 4: If you don’t have pain, you don’t need to go to the dentist.
Fact: Many dental diseases, such as early stage tooth decay or periodontal disease, can develop without causing pain at first. Regular dental visits allow problems to be detected early, which can prevent more invasive and costly treatments in the future.

Myth 5: Sugar is the main cause of cavities.
Fact: Although sugar plays an important role in the formation of cavities, the problem lies more in how often it is consumed and how long it remains in the mouth. Cavity-causing bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that damage tooth enamel. Therefore, it is essential to brush your teeth after eating sugary foods and not to snack between meals.

Myth 6: Using mouthwash replaces brushing.
Fact: Mouthwash is a useful adjunct to oral hygiene, but it cannot replace brushing and flossing. Mouthwash helps reduce bacteria and freshen breath, but it does not remove food debris and plaque that builds up between the teeth and gums.

Myth 7: Chewing sugarless gum is the same as brushing your teeth.
Fact: Chewing sugarless gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and clean the mouth, but it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. It is a good temporary option if you can’t brush, but it should not replace your daily hygiene routine.

Myth 8: Baby teeth don’t need as much care because they fall out.
Fact: Baby teeth are critical to children’s dental and oral development. Keeping them healthy helps ensure that permanent teeth grow in properly. In addition, cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection and affect a child’s overall health.

It is easy to fall into popular beliefs about dental care, but it is important to base our decisions on rigorous information. If you have doubts about your dental hygiene routine or any dental treatment, ask us. At AHOA we are committed to your dental health and well-being.