When it comes to dental hygiene, there is a ton of information out there. As in most cases, especially when it comes to medicine, much of the information available is conflicted or misleading. If you are worried about your dental hygiene, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can tell you anything that may be an issue. For those of you worried about going to the dentist, there really is nothing to be afraid of.
Thanks to advances in modern medicine, dental procedures are now virtually pain-free. If you consider how dental work was done 100 years ago, we are truly living in amazing times! To help shed some light on some of the myths surrounding dental care, here are a few of the most common and the truth behind them!
1. Bleeding Gums Mean You Shouldn’t Brush and Floss
While many people tend to stay away from their gums when they see some blood, the opposite should be the case. Your gums are a great way to tell the overall state of your oral health. When your gums are bleeding from regular brushing and flossing, you should do the opposite of stop! First, you should schedule an appointment to see your dentist. After that, you should continue to brush and floss until your appointment.
2. The More You Brush the Healthier the Teeth
Many people think that more brushing equals a healthier mouth. In order to have a healthy mouth, a fair amount of brushing is necessary, but it’s important not to overdo it. Too much brushing can actually be bad for your teeth and particularly for your gums. As your gums are fairly sensitive, brushing them too much can lead to gum recession.
3. Dental X-Rays are Unnecessary
It’s common for people to believe that they don’t need to have x-rays done to see what the naked eye can’t when it comes to oral health. While dental x-rays may not be necessary every visit to the dentist, it is important to have them done every couple of years to ensure there aren’t any problems you cannot see. X-rays may unveil problems such as cysts or abscessed teeth before you feel the painful effects of them.
4. Dental Visits Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, there are some procedures that your dentist will probably hold off on until your new baby is born. However, other than these few procedures, regular dental checkups and treatments pose no problems to pregnancy and, in fact, are recommended.
5. A Harder Toothbrush is Better
When it comes to finding a tooth brush at the drug store, the options are endless. From different sizes to the varying firmness of brushes, it can be hard to know what’s best. Many people choose the hardest toothbrush they can find, which may not always be the best option. Make sure to check with your dentist to see what type of brush you should be using.
For More Information on Shelby Twp. Dentist, Robert V. Antolak – The Gentle Dentist
If you are looking for a new dental home in or near Shelby Township, Michigan, give us a call today at 586-247-3500.