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5 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Dental Hygiene That You Should Know About

Concentrated black child in yellow sweater cleaning teeth with toothbrush looking at long mirror in bathroom

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People can tell more about you from your smile and eyes. The smile can also reveal a lot about your personality and your mood. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the perfect smile with a beautiful set of sparkly teeth underneath. 

Besides the smile, you cannot undermine the importance of your dental health. Your teeth need proper dental care to keep them healthy.

The severity of the consequences of poor dental health is high. You should, therefore, strictly consider your dental hygiene by following the dentist’s instructions. However, be keen to identify common myths and misconceptions about dental hygiene that may misguide you. Research on the approved dental techniques and religiously follow the practices.

Sugar Is To Blame for Your Cavities

It is a common misconception that people tend to blame sugary foods for their cavity problems. Though they are partially correct, the concept is wrong. It is the bacterium that ‘eats up’ the remnants of sugary foods that cause cavities. 

It is therefore considered a catalyzing factor in cavity formation. To curb the sugar problem, ensure you brush your teeth and keenly observe your diet.

Periodic Dental Appointments Are Unnecessary

Often people are ignorant about doctor’s appointments and only consider orthodontic treatment when they are in pain or when they think about having a corrective procedure. You need to have at least an annual dentist appointment to help you keep track of your dental health.

You Can Substitute Brushing With Chewing Gum

Though candy-free chewing gum will refresh your breath, and some can even clean your teeth, it does not substitute for brushing. It would be best if you also were keen not to use candied chewing gum as a method of brushing your teeth. 

You will serve yourself a plate of double trouble as you will increase the sugar content in your diet, and you will not achieve your cleaning target. Observe proper brushing techniques using the correct toothbrush for good dental hygiene.

Once You Brush, You Need Not Floss or Use a Mouthwash

These three activities complement each other in ensuring that you maintain good oral hygiene. Each has its role to play. Brushing ensures the general elimination of bacteria and plaques in and around the teeth and tongue.

Proper flossing techniques work on plaque deposit removal that may accumulate and cause cavities in between the teeth. The mouthwash gets to the hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. One gurgle swoops the entire mouth region, leaving no stone unturned.

Kids’ Dental Hygiene Is Not As Necessary

Many parents tend to ignore toddler’s dental hygiene, especially in their early years when the teeth are still growing. You must observe proper dental hygiene from birth by carefully cleaning their tongue and the teeth as they continue growing. 

Try as much as possible to buy appropriate toothbrushes and toothpaste as per their age that will encourage them to master the dental practices. Teach them proper methods of dental procedures that will help them maintain good oral hygiene.

It is easy to dismiss these pieces of information once you visit a dentist. Hence, it would be best to empower yourself by knowing your oral hygiene condition and researching dental hygiene. It will help you distinguish the facts from the myths.