Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is all it takes to maintain good oral health. In addition, every six months, getting dental cleanings near you is necessary. But with so many widespread misconceptions about how to look after your oral health, it can be unclear to believe what is true and what is not. As a result, you can easily become blind-sighted by these common fallacies.
In the long run, believing these myths might harm your smile or render your oral hygiene routine ineffective. Thus, it becomes crucial to understand the most common misconceptions about oral health. Here are the five of them:
White Teeth are Healthy
People have started to think that whiter teeth are healthier as teeth whitening grows in popularity. It has also widely impacted people’s desire to change the colour of their teeth.
White teeth are not always a sign of healthy teeth. The natural colour of the teeth varies from person to person. To determine your overall health, pay attention to signs like fresh breath and the absence of cavities rather than the colour of your teeth.
Sugar-free Drinks are Harmless
Although the sugar-free alternatives are not necessarily bad for your teeth, many have artificial preservatives and colours that can increase the acidity in your mouth. It will further raise the chances of developing cavities and tooth decay. The acidity of soda can still harm your tooth enamel, even without sugar. Thus, it is best to avoid soda altogether.
Braces are Only for Youth
Disclaimer: Braces create a healthy and perfect smile with no age factor included.
Even so, they have often been misconstrued as something only kids and teens can get, which is untrue.
A person of any age can receive braces. Many adults are beginning to recognize the advantages of wearing braces. If, as a kid, you didn’t get braces or your teeth have shifted over time, you can still receive straight teeth at any age. Options like Invisalign or ceramic braces are available today to straighten teeth without the look of braces.
Dental Health Isn’t Linked to Overall Health
Since everything enters your body through your mouth, the condition of your oral cavity can determine how well your body is doing. Your mouth stores a lot of bacteria, some of which are harmless, and some are needed, but some can be toxic.
Avoiding visiting the dentist near you makes your body vulnerable to various diseases, including heart disease. Maintaining good oral health can significantly lower your risk of contracting other diseases.
Sugar Causes Cavities
Sugar is commonly known as the root cause of any oral disease. However, this is only partially true. Sugar can only cause cavities when it remains in your mouth long. When you put sugar in your mouth, bacteria start to produce acids that slowly erode the enamel of your teeth. It further makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities.
However, the minerals in your saliva, brushing, and flossing can repair the damaged enamel, strengthening your teeth even more.
Reach Out to Our Dentist in NW Calgary!
Foresighted dental care is the best way to combat tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other risks to dental health. It is equally important for you not to believe these dental myths.
To schedule a dental cleaning in NW Calgary, contact our dental professionals. They will provide the necessary advice for a long-lasting and beautiful smile. Schedule an appointment today!