Dental myths are a dime a dozen, so it can be hard to know the truth. At Rentschler & Rhee Dentistry in Corona, CA, we strive to provide excellent dental care and oral hygiene education for all of our patients and their families. Here are the top 5 dental myths we’ve heard from our patients and the facts about each one.
1. Brushing Harder Helps Clean Better
Brushing harder is not only counterproductive but can potentially be harmful to your teeth and gums. Many people believe brushing with more force can lead to more effective cleaning, but this is not the case. The harder you brush, the more you risk causing trauma to your protective tooth enamel and soft gum tissue. Repeatedly brushing too hard can lead to receding gums. Receding gums is a condition in which your gum tissue is pulled back exposing more of the tooth and tooth’s root. Normally, your gums function as a protective barrier over the bones of your mouth and your teeth. The gaps that form between gum tissue and teeth in gum recession leave teeth and gums more vulnerable to the build-up of harmful bacteria. Although a simple fix is to change the force you use while brushing, finding a soft toothbrush will also provide relief.
2. Flossing Is Not Necessary
Many people think they can get away with just brushing twice a day, but flossing is also crucial preventative care. In flossing, you can remove leftover food particles, and lift out plaque between teeth before it hardens into tartar. This additional step can further reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Food particles and plaque build-up are also both common causes of bad breath. Remembering, flossing helps keep your smile healthy and your breath fresh.
3. You Only Have To Visit The Dentist If Your Teeth Hurt
When it comes to your health, preventative care is the best care. Certainly, if you feel tooth pain, it could mean a number of things: perhaps a cavity, gum infection, a damaged filling, or even a more serious abscess, all of which are worth a visit to the dental health professional for a diagnosis and immediate care. But even if you feel fine, visiting your dentist twice a year (once every six months) is important because an oral care expert like Dr. Rhee or Dr. Rentschler can address any problems before they cause major issues. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning can reduce your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other more serious problems that could result in premature tooth decay and even tooth loss. Your dentist can also offer x-rays, fluoride treatments, and fillings to keep everything in working order.
4. You Should Stop Brushing Or Flossing If Your Gums Bleed
This might be counterintuitive, but if you experience bleeding during your daily brushing or flossing ritual, this is a sign to continue being diligent about your oral health. Bleeding gums typically indicate gum disease, which means flossing to remove food particles and plaque is crucial. If you want professional input on teeth sensitivity or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment to talk to your care expert at Rentschler & Rhee Dentistry.
5. Sugar-Free Gum Is A Good Alternative To Brushing
Not at all! In theory, chewing sugar-free gum can provide a safe, easy, and gentle way to collect food debris and reduce some plaque buildup, but chewing gum is no substitute for regular brushing and flossing twice a day.
If you’re curious about other common dental myths or something you may have heard from a friend or online, feel free to call for an appointment with the dental care specialists at Rentschler & Rhee Dentistry.