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.

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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.

Braces. What Works and What Doesn’t?

There are many types of orthodontic appliances, which work to to straighten teeth. However, for every pro, there’s also a con. I’m here to get make them clear you you!

It’s important to know what there is to offer:

  • Fixed braces (Train tracks) in clear or standard silver.
  • Clear aligners. From brands like QuickStraightTeeth and Invisalign.
  • Palatal Brace.
  • Lingual Braces.

Here at Eccleshill Dental we offer both fixed braces and clear aligners. Our orthodontic-dentist, Dr. Rishi has completed many life-changing cases which patients have been over the moon with. Here as a few of the range of cases he has completed below!

So, what’s the difference?

Fixed Braces:

We offer two types of fixed appliances – Quick Straight Teeth and FastBraces. Both systems are fantastic but the severity of the teeth would determine which system would benefit yourself. Dr. Rishi is trained and skilled to understand the rotation/movement your teeth need to make before he’s even started!

Here are the advantages:

  • Fixed braces allow more movement and control so you tend to get a better result!
  • They’re cemented in so you will not forget to wear them!
  • You can have ceramic/clear brackets which are unnoticeable.
  • You can have straight teeth in as little as three months!

Here are the disadvantages:

  • Fixed braces can look unsightly.
  • Sometimes they can be hard to clean.
  • In the first few days they can be slightly uncomfortable but all braces can! If children can do it..so can you!

Also Read: How To: Make Tooth Brushing Enjoyable For Children!

Clear Aligners:

The main brand people tend to associate with aligners is Invisalign. They are basically clear retainers which have to be worn for 22 hours of the day to get the best results, but you can hardly tell they are there.

Every few weeks you will have a new aligners to wear and each one moves the teeth slightly until they are perfectly aligned!

Here are the advantages:

  • Hardly visible at all which is the main reason people are drawn to them.
  • Very easy to clean!
  • At the end of the treatment you don’t need cemented brackets and wired removing which can be slightly uncomfortable – but in no means painful.
  • Everything is controlled by you, there are no adjustment appointments, just simply pick up your new trays every few weeks.

Here are the disadvantages:

  • Since aligners are removable, people can forget to out them back in!
  • You can NOT eat or drink with them in.
  • Teeth must be cleaned after every meal to advoid cavities.
  • They don’t always allow for certain movements.

If you are curious as to which system would work for yourself, contact us here at Eccleshill Dental! We are running a free orthodontic consultation right up until the end of September!

Tel – 01274 633 406 for more information.

Braces: How Old Is Too Old?

A question that many patients ask is at what is the best age for braces? Commonly, people assume that the best results are achieved when braces are worn as children. The majority of children who have braces begin treatment between the ages of 10 and 14. At this stage, baby teeth have fallen out and the jaw is stable enough to support long-term orthodontic treatment.

Contrary to what you might think, you are never too old for braces! Many adults don’t have access to orthodontic treatment as children, or delay getting braces for other reasons. Many children are referred for orthodontic treatment, but don’t meet the strict criteria required for treatment on the NHS. Many of these children enter into adulthood feeling conscious of their teeth, but are reluctant to take action on the basis they were rejected for treatment when they were younger. This is a common misconception: no case is too small, and you are never too old to undergo orthodontic treatment. Think of teeth the way you would any other bone on your body. They do stop growing at the end of adolescence, but it’s still possible to correct them throughout your life. Teeth are no different.

Also Read: The Magic In Your Smile: 10 Ways Smiling Benefits Your Health and Happiness

As an adult, you likely already have an established routine that will need to modified to account for braces. You may need to alter your diet, your morning and evening schedules, or carry a toothbrush to work. No matter what changes you need to make, keep in mind that they are short-term sacrifices for long-term gains in confidence and dental health. Wearing braces for a few months can save you from more serious dental issues down the road.

For many people though, the cost of braces, or the expectation of long treatment times can be off-putting. Many adults with families and other financial commitments push aside the thought of orthodontic treatment. After all, if you were rejected for treatment as a child, and you have lived with your teeth for this long, what would be the point?

There are many advantages to undertaking orthodontic treatment in adulthood. As adults, we have more of an appreciation of the dramatic impact of orthodontic treatment on our daily lives. Many adults report that orthodontic treatment improved their confidence, happiness, success at work and in relationships. Short-term, cosmetic orthodontic treatment can be completed in as little as 3 months, and with a variety of payment options, you don’t need to worry about finding the money upfront. Tailored payment plans and finance options allow you to spread the cost of orthodontic treatment, and you could receive the straight smile you’ve dreamed of for as little as £27.20 per month (terms and conditions apply).

Also Read: How To Find The Right Dental Practice For You

Free Orthodontic Consultation

The first step on your journey to a straight smile is to attend for an orthodontic consultation. At Eccleshill Dental, we offer complimentary orthodontic consultations with Rachel, our patient care coordinator. This is a relaxed appointment, where we learn more about what you would like to achieve. We provide information on your treatment options, methods of payment, what to expect from your orthodontic journey, and what your results might look like! This appointment is completely free, and there is no obligation to continue with treatment. Contact the practice on 01274 633406 to book your complimentary orthodontic consultation today.

Together, let’s see what your smile could be!