Every time it seems to us that we already know everything about oral health, some new information appears. This makes us reevaluate our knowledge and is completely normal. Science is constantly evolving, new studies are being performed and scientists are always discovering new facts about our health.
Let’s check how much you know about oral health. The information below may become groundbreaking for those who still believe in myths based on outdated facts. It’s important to know for sure what is good for your oral health and what is not. Below are common myths regarding oral health:
Wisdom Teeth Are Useless
Wisdom teeth can bring you a lot of problems and pain but they can also sometimes be useful. If your jaws are wide enough to give them room, they won’t bother you. Besides, there are scientists that study the ability of wisdom teeth to be a source of valuable stem cells used in the treatment of various diseases.
Green Apples Clean Your Teeth
It is believed that certain foods can remove dental plaque from your teeth. Green apples were believed to be on this list. But you should know that all fruits contain acid, sweet or not sweet. Acid is aggressive to dental enamel and using it to clean teeth is not a good idea. If you want to eat something that will make your teeth cleaner, eat a slice of cheese instead.
Bruxism Is Caused by Parasites
This popular myth was dismissed by experts. Bruxism is a nervous disease that causes a person to grind their teeth during sleep unintentionally. This process destroys teeth and may even become a contraindication to having dental implants. However, it can be optionally corrected with the help of special mouth guards and psychotherapy.
Toothpaste Is Just for Cleaning Your Teeth
There are different types of toothpaste for different purposes. They can have a strengthening, antibacterial, whitening, or other effects. Fluoride contained in toothpaste prevents tooth decay and makes teeth more resistible to acids. The best way to choose a toothpaste is to ask your dentist about the best option for you.
Dental Braces Are Bad for Enamel
It’s true that sometimes you can see yellow stains on your enamel after you take your dental braces off. But this happens not because of the braces but because of poor oral hygiene. Teeth with braces are more difficult to brush and require more attention to oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment to avoid these stains afterward.
Bad Breath Is Caused by GI Diseases
Bad breath can be a result of a systemic disease but in most cases, it is related to poor oral hygiene and gum inflammation. The unpleasant smell comes from rotting food leftovers in your mouth. As bacteria eat these leftovers, the organic tissue is being destroyed by their vital activity. These processes also give your breath a bad smell.
Smoking is Only Bad for Your Lungs
When people smoke, their mouths contact with cigarette smoke and are affected by toxic substances it contains. If combined with alcohol consumption, the risk of having teeth problems increases. Smokers are more likely to have dental diseases and oral cancer.
We hope you have discovered something new about your oral health and won’t repeat your mistakes anymore.
Comments