There are so many myths floating around regarding your dental health. Many people buy into these myths as a way of avoiding regular dental checkups, but in the process, you could actually be doing some real harm to your teeth, mouth and gums. We believe that a well-informed patient is a healthier patient, so we’re going to discuss these false myths in an effort to educate you about your oral health!

Below is a list of common dental myths. Once you realize these myths are false, you’ll be better equipped to take care of your beautiful smile.

  1. The whiter your teeth, the healthier they are.
    In fact, the natural color of teeth will vary from person to person. It’s possible for a person with sparkling white teeth to have very poor oral health and for a person with naturally darker teeth to have perfect oral hygiene. The color of your teeth has very little to do with how healthy they are.
  2. Flossing isn’t as important as brushing.
    So many people skip the floss under the misconception that it’s not as important as brushing. But by not flossing, you’re actually neglecting up to 33% of the surfaces of your teeth that can’t be reached by your toothbrush. This can lead to gum disease, decay, and lots of unnecessary pain. Make sure you’re brushing at least once a day!
  3. More sugar means more cavities.
    In the end, no matter what your diet consists of, it all comes down to your oral hygiene habits. A person who has higher sugar consumption but brushes and flosses diligently can actually have a healthier mouth that someone with a healthy diet but who neglects their oral hygiene.
  4. You shouldn’t brush bleeding gums.
    Plaque can build up on your gums in the same way it can build up on your teeth and can cause gum disease. This is why it’s just as important to be brushing your gums while you brush your teeth. If you have sensitive gums, you can brush your gums at an angle in order to avoid bleeding or irritation, but you should definitely still be brushing them.

In the end, the very best thing you can do for your oral health is to brush and floss daily, and to bring your family in for a check-up and cleaning every 6-12 months!

Come experience a uniquely welcoming and genuine dental practice that’s committed to giving our patients the highest quality care possible for all of their dental needs. Call Summit Smiles Dental at (303) 627–5432 or contact us online today to book your appointment.