In this guide brought to you by Hallock Family Dental in McKinney and Allen in Texas, we debunk 5 common dental health myths so you can take good care of yourself despite the myths.
1. Flossing Is Optional
A lot of people think that brushing twice a day is plenty, but flossing once a day is also important for preventative dental care. With dental floss, you can remove leftover food debris trapped between your teeth before it feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Dental floss also lifts out the plaque between teeth before it hardens into tartar. Flossing daily is an excellent way to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Food particles, plaque, and tartar are also cited as common causes of bad breath, so consider flossing a way to go further with your daily cleaning.
2. Brushing Harder Makes For A Better Clean
It might be a good idea to apply more pressure and elbow grease sometimes, but not when you are brushing your teeth. Brushing harder is not only counterproductive, but it can surprisingly be harmful to your oral wellness. The more force you apply as you brush, the more you risk trauma to your tooth enamel and vulnerable gum tissue. A habit of brushing too hard can even lead to receding gums, a medical condition in which your gum tissue pulls back and exposes more of your teeth and their roots. Receding gums can cause more issues, as gum tissue functions as a protective barrier over the roots of your teeth and the bones of your mouth. The gaps created by receding gums can lead to your teeth and gums becoming more vulnerable to harmful bacteria build-up. If you want to wean yourself off of the habit of brushing with force, consider switching to a toothbrush with softer bristles.
3. You Should Stop Flossing Or Brushing If It Makes You Bleed
Your instinct might be to stop flossing or brushing if you notice bleeding gums. But, this is actually a sign to continue regular brushing and flossing. If you experience a lapse in your ability to keep up regular dental and oral hygiene, your gums may take up to 10-14 days to get accustomed to regular but necessary flossing. (If you feel like you may be bleeding due to gum disease or other dental health problems, schedule an appointment with your dentist.)
4. Sugar-Free Gum Is A Good Substitute For Regular Brushing
This is simply untrue! Don’t believe all the marketing you read! Theoretically, chewing gum can potentially catch leftover food particles and reduce plaque build-up. However sugar-free or not, chewing gum is not an adequate substitute for a regular habit of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once.
5. You Don’t Have To Visit The Dentist If Your Teeth Don’t Hurt
When it comes to dental care, preventative care can be the best care. Tooth pain can be a symptom of a number of issues, such as tooth decay, a gum infection, a damaged filling, or even an abscess, all of which benefit from the attention of a dentist. But twice-a-year visits to the dentist (or, one visit every 6 months) are important because a professional can identify issues that you’ve overlooked. These regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings can reduce your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other serious concerns that could end up in tooth loss. A dentist can also offer fluoride treatments, dental fillings, and x-rays to make sure your teeth are at their healthiest.
If you are based in the McKinney or Allen area and searching for a family dentist, look no further than Hallock Family Dental. Hallock Family Dental has two locations to serve general dentistry needs and offer cosmetic, restorative, and surgical services. Patients in the McKinney, TX area are welcome to call 972-547-1775, while those in the Allen area can call 972-390-7200 for their local practice.
