There are many myths about oral and dental care. Some of them are ridiculous, others we believe almost without thinking, to the detriment of our dental health. CLINIC | DPC experts present the five most common myths about dental care and explain how you should really care for your teeth.
1. MYTH – Teeth can be whitened at home using household products.
Since ancient times, people have been trying to whiten their teeth at home using household products. One of the most popular methods is baking soda. It does indeed lighten the teeth a little, but the consequences of such whitening can be sad. Often, whitening with baking soda results in thinner enamel, sensitive teeth and bleeding gums. Damaged enamel attracts more dirt, and tooth decay develops quickly. Teeth whitening with household products can cause serious oral problems and is therefore not recommended by specialists.
2. MYTH – Brush your teeth immediately after eating.
Although it is sometimes thought that it is healthy to brush your teeth as soon as you have eaten, experts recommend that you wait about half an hour. Our food usually contains carbohydrates, which are digested in the mouth with the help of saliva. During the digestion process, an acidic medium is formed. The enamel is then more easily damaged when brushing the teeth. Within half an hour, the saliva neutralizes the acidic medium and it is safe to brush your teeth.
3. MYTH – Fillings are no longer replaceable.
There is a common perception that once a tooth is filled, it will never need to be repaired. But the reality is somewhat different. Old fillings develop micro-gaps, invisible to the eye, where the bacteria that cause tooth decay accumulate. To avoid this, old fillings need to be replaced with new ones. It is recommended that you visit your dentist from time to time to assess and tell if the fillings are worn, cracked and need to be adjusted or replaced.
4. MYTH – You should only go to the dentist when you have broken teeth.
If you only decide to visit the dentist when you have a broken tooth, you are already too late! You should visit your dentist’s office at least every six months as a preventive measure. This will help to keep your teeth in better condition and avoid complicated and expensive procedures.
5. MYTH – Brush your teeth for as long as possible and as often as possible.
It’s a well-known fact that you should brush your teeth 2 times a day, morning and evening, for at least 2 minutes each. However, it is sometimes assumed that the more often and longer you brush your teeth, the healthier they are. This is incorrect because brushing too often damages the top layer of enamel. This can lead to serious problems in the future.
CLINIC | DPC experts urge you not to believe the myths and to follow the recommendations of oral hygienists and dentists. Take good care of your oral and dental hygiene and stay healthy!
