Common Misconceptions about Oral and Dental Health | Dentapolitan Oral and Dental Health Hospitals in Turkey, Istanbul

There are many myths and misconceptions about dental and oral health. Here, we will address some of the most common ones.

Important Facts about Oral and Dental Health

No pain, no problem.

Many people think that if their teeth don't hurt, they don't need to go to the dentist and believe that they should only go to the dentist if their teeth hurt or if they feel discomfort. However, many dental problems, including cavities, gum disease and even oral cancer, can develop without any initial pain.Therefore, a routine dental check-up is inevitable, whether your teeth hurt or not.

The harder the teeth are brushed, the better they are cleaned.

Brushing teeth too hard and abrasively can erode the enamel that protects the inner parts of the teeth from abrasion and decay and damage your teeth.

There is no need for dental floss when we brush our teeth regularly and carefully.

A toothbrush or interdental brush cannot clean the points where the teeth touch each other and the space between the gums. If mechanical cleaning is not performed with dental floss in these areas, mouth water cannot provide a complete cleaning; it cannot reduce tartar formation. Therefore, dental floss should be used at least once a day. Dental floss is a cleaning tool that has no alternative.

Chewing sugar-free gum works as well as brushing your teeth.

In cases such as acid reflux, chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to clean tooth enamel from corrosive acidic foods, drinks and stomach acid. However, chewing gum is not a substitute for brushing or flossing when it comes to removing plaque from the tooth surface. It can only supplement tooth brushing when it comes to oral care.

If your gums bleed while brushing your teeth, it is best not to touch them.

Bleeding gums usually occur when the bristles of the toothbrush do not reach the gaps properly and bacteria and plaque accumulate between the teeth. Bacterial formations lead to inflammation of the gums. A stage of this process is also bleeding. You can stop bleeding and irritation, though, if you make flossing a habit.

The biggest cause of cavity formation is sugar.

The first thing that may come to mind when you think of cavities is lollipops and other confectionery products. However, you should remember that products such as crackers and chips can be even worse for your teeth. Often carbohydrates also have enough sugar to damage teeth and stick to the tooth surface.

Gum disease is only related to our oral health.

Your gum disease may be discovered for the first time by your dentist. However, if you have gum disease, you may have conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. It may also be possible to have some cancers related to chronic inflammation.

Whitening makes teeth weaker.

Teeth whitening procedures are generally thought to have a weakening effect on teeth. However, modern teeth whitening techniques used by dentists are safe and do not harm the teeth, although for some people teeth whitening can cause some temporary sensitivity. It is very important to listen and follow the advice of your dentist.

Flossing can cause tooth damage.

Flossing does not harm the teeth when done regularly and used with the right technique. However, it is important to use it gently and correctly. Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums requires regular flossing. Flossing helps prevent gum diseases and cavities by removing plaque and food residues between the teeth. However, being too harsh and aggressive while flossing can damage the gums.

Use floss carefully to avoid damaging your gums and seek advice from your dentist. Remember, flossing supports your health!

Chewing gum is damaging your teeth.

In general, chewing gum in moderate amounts does not harm the teeth. However, excessive chewing can cause jaw pain and tooth wear. It is best to choose gum that does not contain sugar.

When chewing gum is prolonged and excessive, it can cause excessive pressure on the jaw joint, leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Sugary gums can also contribute to tooth decay. Sugar-free chewing gums can have a corrosive effect in acidic environments.

Chocolate is bad for your teeth.

Chocolate is delicious, but we should be careful for our dental health. Due to its high sugar content and sticky texture, chocolate can lead to tooth decay and sugar can weaken tooth enamel. However dark chocolate with a high cocoa content contains antioxidants and can strengthen tooth enamel. When consumed in moderation and dental hygiene is maintained, its harm can be reduced.

Protect your oral health by brushing your teeth and drinking water after eating chocolate. Choose dark chocolates with less sugar for healthy teeth!

Oral and dental health is performed by our experienced dentists. Make an appointment for your dental check-up at one of our Dentapolitan Oral and Dental Health Hospitals in Turkey, Istanbul.