Oral Hygiene Myths Debunked

It’s no secret that keeping up with good oral hygiene in New Smyrna Beach FL is key to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful. When it comes to taking care of your teeth, there’s plenty of misleading information out there to cause irreversible damage to your oral health. In this article, we will debunk oral hygiene myths that are ruining your teeth.

What Oral Hygiene Myths are Ruining My Teeth?

Brushing Harder Cleans Your Teeth Better

A lot of people think the harder they brush, the cleaner their teeth. This is not true. Brushing too hard can wear down your tooth enamel, weakening your teeth and increasing your chance of developing decay. It’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean your teeth gently to keep them healthy and strong.

Using Mouthwash is Just as Good as Brushing Your Teeth 

Using mouthwash to clean your teeth is not as good as brushing your teeth. If you want to effectively clean your mouth, you need to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash.

Bleaching Your Teeth is Dangerous

Bleaching your teeth is dangerous if you use OTC whitening kits. Many of these sets contain dangerous levels of hydrogen peroxide that will wear down your enamel. However, when you let experts whiten your teeth, it’s guaranteed to be safe and effective!

Flossing Can Cause your Gums to Bleed 

This is not true. Flossing is extremely important because it gets rid of food bits stuck between your teeth. It keeps your teeth clean and your breath fresh. It also prevents gum disease and decay. So, if you are seeing blood when you floss, you have gone too long without flossing. This may be indicative of an excessive amount of plaque that has probably accumulated and is irritating your gums.

Good Oral Hygiene is Enough to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Good oral hygiene is not enough to keep your mouth healthy as you age. You also need to visit a dentist regularly to keep your oral health in check. By seeing a dentist twice a year, you can identify problems early on and address them proactively. Your dentist can also teach you proper oral hygiene tips and tricks.

Looking To Improve Your Oral Hygiene in New Smyrna Beach, FL?

Always keep up with your dentist appointments and practice good oral hygiene to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. At Atlantic Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of high-quality, yet affordable, dental treatments. Contact us for more information!