All ailments come with their own mythical cures. From old wives’ tales to poorly researched modern medicine, your friends and relatives are sure to have the cure-all knowledge that will supposedly make you feel all better. People always mean well with their household remedies and generational knowledge, but these are often not the best option for you, especially when it comes to your dental health. You only get one set of teeth, so it’s best to see your dentist regularly and consult with them on any concerns and plans for treatment.

Dentistry has evolved over time, but some dental myths have persisted. Below, Flintlock Dental will look at some of the most common dental myths and debunk them once and for all!

Myth: Brushing Your Teeth More Than Once a Day Hurts Your Enamel

This is not the case at all. In fact, most dentists will recommend that you brush twice a day or even after each meal. To avoid being too harsh on your gums and teeth, it’s usually recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush.

Myth: Chewing Sugar-Free Gum After a Meal can Replace Brushing

Chewing sugar free gum after a meal is a great way to freshen your breath and can help remove food particles from your teeth, but it’s no replacement for actually brushing your teeth.

Myth: Baby Teeth Don’t Need Dental Check-Ups

Most dentists will recommend that you take your child to the dentist by the time they reach one year old. This is so you can get good advice on how you can care for your child’s teeth and promote a healthy dental routine for life. It also involves a quick check to make sure that everything looks as it should. It’s also crucial to get in the habit of bringing your child in for regular checkups, even if they still just have baby teeth. Some dental problems can persist to their adult teeth, and it’s important to form good habits early.

Myth: Gums Only Bleed Because You Brush Too Hard

If your gums start to bleed regularly, you need to book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. There may be no pain associated with your bleeding gums, but that doesn’t mean that it’s nothing serious. The bleeding could just be due to you not brushing enough, but over time it could lead to something more serious like gingivitis. (For more information on gingivitis, check out our blog here.) It’s best to get this problem looked at sooner rather than later, so you and your dentist can set up a good plan to get you on the road to healthier gums without larger, more difficult-to-treat problems arising.

Myth: All Toothpaste Brands are the Same

There are very few differences in toothpastes if you’re looking at the ones in the mainstream market. Most of the toothpastes that you see on store shelves have the same ingredients. However, if you’re looking into prescription toothpaste, it will be different based on its specialty. Wondering if you should use prescription toothpaste? Read more here!

Myth: Fruit Juices are Healthy

This is a tough one. We know that fruit juices have vitamins that are good for you (and some fiber if you choose a pulpy variety). The problem is that these fruit juices contain tons of sugar. These sugars will feed the bacteria in your mouth and worsen the plaque on your teeth. As with soda, drinking too much fruit juice will wear away at the tooth’s enamel over time.

If you still want to enjoy your fruit juice, dentists suggest limiting your intake just at mealtimes. Resist the urge to drink that glass of fruit juice before bed or sip it throughout the day. This way, you’re not letting the sugar sit on your teeth over extended periods of time.

There are many other myths out there regarding your oral health. If you ever feel unsure about something, it’s best to consult with your dentist and get the advice right from the professionals. You only get one set of teeth, so it’s best to take the advice of a dentist and not your next-door neighbor!