A Combination of Good Oral Hygiene and Regular Check-Ups Can Help Maintain Your Smile For Longer

Seven-Dental-Myths-Or-Why-Looking-After-Your-Teeth-At-Home-Is-So-Important Here at Curtis R. Couch D.D.S. in Thousand Oaks we thought we’d look at the validity of 7 dental myths. Some are true (and so aren’t really myths…) and others are not so much myths as misconceptions that have somehow survived.

Fact Or Fiction: 7 Dental Myths Explored…

The following dental myths are taken from a large number floating around at the moment. For this article we’ve chosen the 7 that have the most impact on your oral health.

Myth 1: I don’t need to see the dentist, I’m not in pain:

Fiction. Gum disease might not cause any pain, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Also, problems such tooth decay might not become painful until they’ve progressed to the point where you need serious treatment. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease and detect problems early on.

Myth 2: Between oral health routines sugar free gum is a good way to clean teeth

Strange but fact. Chewing gum increases saliva and helps remove food that could be trapped between teeth.

Myth 3: You should visit the dentist every six months

For some fact; for others fiction. It actually depends entirely upon your oral health. Going to the dentist regularly is important; it helps fight against gum disease and is useful for the early detection of any problems. However, one of the expert dentists at our Thousand Oaks dental practice will let you know when you need to come back for your next check-up.

Myth 4: Brushing your teeth straight after meals is the ideal way to protect your teeth

Fiction. As you eat, acid in foods and saliva weaken the enamel. So, by brushing your teeth straight after eating can cause:
  • Tooth abrasions
  • Loss of enamel
  • May lead to sensitive teeth
The best thing to do is wait half an hour after eating, or rinse your mouth with water before brushing your teeth.

Myth 5: Drinking coffee, soda and other high-sugar and dark liquids through a straw is better for your teeth

Fact. By drinking soda or coffee through a straw you are minimizing contact between the teeth and the drink. What this does is protect your teeth from tooth-rotting sugar and teeth-staining coffee.

Myth 6: Flossing is as important as brushing

True. Although it’s baffling how this could be considered a myth, or even a misconception. Flossing gets to the part of your teeth that brushing cannot. If you aren’t flossing you’re only doing half the job.

Myth 7: Whitening toothpastes are the best way to whiten your teeth.

Fiction. Whitening toothpastes don’t come close to the effectiveness of professional tooth whitening products. Here at Curtis R. Couch in Thousand Oaks we offer an amazingly effective tooth whitening treatment that is quick, safe and affordable. Our job as dentists is to help educate you and your family on the best way to look after your oral health, and that doesn’t just mean what we can do for you at our Thousand Oaks dental practice. It means helping you continue to look after your oral health at home. For more information on our oral hygiene check-ups, or to book an appointment at our conveniently located dental practice in Thousand Oaks, please do not hesitate to contact us.