Common Myths About Oral Health and the Truth Behind Them

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile, but there are also numerous myths about dental care that often confuse people. As the best orthodontist in Bradford we’d like to set the record straight. Here are some of the most common oral hygiene myths and the truth behind the myths.

Myth 1: Brushing Harder Means Teeth Are Cleaner

Fact: Brushing too aggressively can hurt your teeth and gums, causing wear to your teeth.

There are a lot of people who think they should apply more pressure while brushing in hopes of achieving cleaner teeth. But that much pressure can thin enamel and cause gum recession. Rather, use a medium – bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular movements to effectively clean your teeth.

Using too much pressure while brushing can actually do more harm than good, according to a study by the American Dental Association (ADA), which found that it results in  a greater incidence of enamel wear and gum damage. Ideally, brush twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.

Do you need to get expert advice on proper brushing techniques? Book an appointment with an orthodontist in Bradford based on your schedule now!

Busting Myth 2: Sugar Is the Leading Cause of Cavities

Truth: It’s not just sugar that causes cavities; poor oral hygiene does, too.

Although sugar is known to cause tooth decay, it is all due to plaque buildup from poor hygiene. Bacteria in the plaque feed on sugar and secrete acids that corrode enamel. Yet even foods such as bread, pasta and fruits can increase the risk of cavities if teeth are not properly cleaned.

Cavities develop due to a combination of diet, oral hygiene and saliva production, a report by the British Dental Journal explains. Visiting an Orthodontist Bradford, UK can help prevent cavities.

Also Read: The Importance of Preventive Dental Care in Maintaining Oral Health

Myth 3: You Have to Be a Kid to Get Braces

Truth: Adults are not immune to braces!

Most people think they’re too old for braces. Braces in Bradford is possible at any age. There are many options available, clear aligners and ceramic braces are popular modern orthodontic treatments that can be great for adult patients looking for a straighter smile.

Orthodontic treatments have advanced so much that achieving straight teeth later in life is more viable than ever; research indicates that almost a quarter of orthodontic patients are adult.

Myth 4: You Only Go to the Dentist When You Feel Pain

Truth: Regular check-ups prevent dental issues before they start..

Pain is usually a late manifestation of dental disease. Regular clinic visiting can help identify the early signs of cavities, gum disease, and misalignment and can help prevent costly treatments down the road if action is taken early.

According to a study done by the National Health Service (NHS), regularly visiting the dentist decreases the probability of serious oral problems by 60%.

Worried about your oral health? Schedule an appointment with the best orthodontist bradford today! Click here.

Myth 5: White Teeth Mean Healthy Teeth

Truth: Teeth color doesn’t always indicate health.

Most people think that white teeth equal strong teeth but that isn’t always the case. Stains cause discoloration, while cavities and gum disease can be present in technically white teeth. At Eccleshill Dental Bradford, UK, braces from our orthodontist can help to assess the overall dental health.

Myth 6: You Don’t Need to Floss If You Brush Your Teeth Well

Truth: Flossing gets plaque from spots that your toothbrush can’t reach.

Brushing does a great job at cleaning the surface of your teeth, but no other option, like toothpaste, can remove debris and plaque between them other than flossing. This prevents gum disease and bad breath.

According to a study conducted by the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, individuals who floss daily have 40% less gum disease than those who don’t.

Myth 7: DIY Teeth Straightening Methods are Effective

Fact: Professional orthodontic treatment is the only safe and effective option.

Social media is awash with DIY teeth-straightening hacks, but these practices can cause havoc. It is always ideal to consult a certified orthodontist for teeth gaps for safe and reliable solutions.

English researchers wrote a case study in the British Dental Journal that described patients who attempted DIY orthodontic treatment severely damaging their teeth — and then having to pay for expensive repairs.

Myth 8: Braces Hurt and Are Years in the Making

Fact: Orthodontics have advanced a lot in both comfort and efficiency.

Thanks to modern medicine, orthodontic devices are now some of the most comfortable treatments available. The latest braces and aligners work much more efficiently than their predecessors and can often cut treatment time substantially. Seek an expert and book an appointment with your orthodontist in Bradford to know the best option for you.

Considering getting your teeth straightened? Call today to the best orthodontist in Bradford! Book now.

Myth 9: Mouthwash Replaces Brushing

Truth: Mouthwash is an adjunct, not a stand-in.

Mouthwash freshens breath and kills bacteria, but it does not remove dental plaque the way brushing and flossing do. It is to be used as a next step in your oral care regimen, not in place of it.

Myth 10 — Orthodontics Are Only for Cosmetic Reasons

Truth: Braces and aligners enhance both appearance and function.

Not only aesthetics improve, but orthodontic treatments are also vital to correcting bite issues, alleviating jaw pain, and achieving overall better oral health. Consult your emergency orthodontist in Bradford for more information.

Ready to smile more healthy? Get in touch with our staff for professional orthodontic treatment plan in Bradford! Book an appointment.

Final Thoughts Oral health myths can threaten your smile. The healthiest confident smile comes from taking care of it with advice from the best and going to the dentists regularly. Don’t delay if you are thinking about straightening teeth with braces in Bradford.

Book Your Appointment — Book an orthodontist appointment at Eccleshill Dental in Bradford now and get started with your dental needs. Book now.