At Northside Family Dental, we have encountered our fair share of misconceptions about dental hygiene, and we want to do our part to set the record straight. In this article, we will go over a few of the most common myths about dental hygiene and replace them with accurate information so that you can make the best decisions when it comes to your oral health.
Myth: You need to brush hard to effectively clean your teeth.
When brushing your teeth, you should actually use gentle pressure rather than hard, forceful strokes, as brushing hard can damage your enamel and is thus counterproductive. In addition, we recommend using a soft-bristled brush to remove plaque and bacteria without damaging your teeth.
Myth: Chewing gum is an effective replacement for brushing.
No, chewing gum will not get your teeth as clean as brushing will. While some dentists recommend chewing sugar-free gum as an alternative to eating candy, you shouldn’t use gum as a replacement for your toothbrush.
Myth: Charcoal toothpaste is good for your teeth.
While there are multiple brands of toothpaste containing activated charcoal on the market now, our team does not recommend any of them. The particles in charcoal can damage your tooth enamel, and the charcoal itself will absorb protective agents that keep your teeth strong and healthy, which is clearly unhelpful.
Myth: You don’t need to floss.
Flossing is an essential part of your dental hygiene routine, as it allows you to get between your teeth and under your gum line to remove any plaque or bacteria that may be hiding in these hard-to-reach areas.