There are many myths about good dental care. Some false beliefs are even passed down from parents to children. As a result, children

have digested these myths and circulated it in their consciousness.

Here are common myths:

• “If your teeth seem to look okay, then, you do not need to visit your dentist.”

This belief is false. There are a lot of dental problems that cannot be seen by the naked eye. These include: periodontal or gum disease, minute cracks or fractures, small cavities  and some root infections are just few examples of unseen dental problems. When you go to your dentist, he or she will utilize the use of dental x-rays and other devices to detect such problems. Dental visit is not only done for curing and treating dental problems. It is more of a preventive measure to keep teeth and gums healthy.

• “Having strong teeth is in your family’s genes. So, you do not have to worry about having dental checkups.”

Genetics plays a small part on your teeth’s composition. However, proper oral hygiene plays a major role in how healthy your teeth and gums are. Regular brushing and flossing coupled with professional cleanings can help keep your teeth for a life time.

• “You do not have to brush after eating, chewing gum works just the same.”

Actually, it is the saliva produced from chewing a gum that helps your mouth clean, not the chewing gum itself. Saliva has an innate bacterial-fighting enzyme which your body produces to keep you from having cavities. It washes away food debris to some degree. However, saliva alone cannot be a replacement to brushing and flossing. Saliva cannot remove the sticky plaque on the surfaces of your teeth or completely remove food debris. If you are in a place where you don’t have access to a toothbrush, then the next best option is chewing gum.

• “If your gums are bleeding, you have to skip brushing.”

  

  
  Bleeding Gums