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Top 5 Dental Myths Exposed!

December 3, 2019
General Dentistry

It’s time to set the myths straight!  Write down your answer, Truth or Myth, on a separate sheet of paper.  Then, read on to find out the truths behind several common dental myths!

The Dental Myths

 

  1. The harder you brush, the cleaner your mouth!

Truth or Myth?

 

  1. If your gums bleed when flossing, stop flossing until the bleeding subsides.

Truth or Myth?

 

  1. Sugar is the main cause of cavities.

Truth or Myth?

 

  1. White teeth = healthy teeth!

Truth or Myth?

 

  1. Pregnant women should hold off on regular dental appointments

Truth or Myth?

 

 

The Answers

The harder you brush, the cleaner your mouth! 

Truth or Myth?  Many people assume that if they scrub extra hard, they will remove all the excess plaque.  But the truth is, the harder they brush, the more likely they are to damage tooth enamel and gums.  If brushing your teeth hurts, then you’re brushing too hard!  Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently.  Make sure to brush all sides and angles of your teeth – and don’t forget to floss!  Regular gentle brushing + flossing does a better job of getting rid of plaque than scrubbing hard.

 

If your gums bleed when flossing, stop flossing until the bleeding subsides.

Truth or Myth?  Bleeding happens when gums are inflamed, typically due to plaque and bacteria.  Failing to floss will create more serious problems over time.  Leaving bacteria on the gumline causes swelling of the gums which can lead to infections and gum disease.  Instead, you should floss daily to help clean out the bacteria that’s irritating your gums.  Your gums may bleed each time you floss for a couple of weeks, but then the bleeding should lessen.

 

Sugar is the main cause of cavities.

Truth or Myth?  Sugar plays a role in cavities, but the true cause of tooth decay is the bacteria and plaque.  But even if you don’t consume sugary foods or drinks, you still need to brush and floss daily to prevent cavities.

 

White teeth = healthy teeth!

Truth or Myth?  While white teeth are especially attractive, natural tooth colors vary and foods, drinks and medications can stain teeth over time.  You may have white teeth but have excessive plaque that lead to cavities.  On the other hand, you may have yellowish teeth that are in excellent shape.

 

Pregnant women should hold off on regular dental appointments

Truth or Myth?  Don’t avoid visiting the dentist because you’re pregnant!  You need your cleanings just as much as you did before, if not more!  Many women are more prone to gum disease during pregnancy.  When you visit the office, let them know that you are pregnant! 

 

Did we dispel any myths for you?  Do you have questions about dental visits?  Call us at 305-442-7444 so we can answer your questions and put you at ease.

Miro Dental Center

Dr. Claudio Miro and associates have been treating patients in the greater Miami area for over 30 years. As a team, we believe that the patient is of upmost importance at every level.   We take pride in the care we provide to our patients at Miro Dental Centers. We take the time to make sure our patients are fully informed and are given all treatment options.  Our goal is to the provide our patients with optimal oral health by using state of the art technology.

With the dental field rapidly advancing, we are always looking for new and innovative treatments to serve our patients. We provide all types of services, including dental cleanings, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry.

If you have questions about your dental health or would like to schedule an appointment at our offices in Coral Gables, Kendall, Hialeah, or Hollywood, please contact us today at 305-442-7444.