LIFESTYLE
This World Oral Health Day, learn to separate fact from fiction. We bust 10 misconceptions associated with oral health to boost your overall well-being
Read on to bust oral hygiene myths such as eating sugar is bad for your teeth. Apparently, eating savoury junk such as chips and crackers are actually worse for your dental hygiene.
“Your teeth are the best friends you’ve got. You take care of them and they’ll take care of you.” Sam Seabourne (Rob Lowe) from The West Wing was nuts about dental health. And you should be too. But there are plenty of misconceptions surrounding how to actually take care of your teeth. And myths are stubborn creatures. While some may be harmless, others could impact your oral health or general welll-beingbi ini theth long term. Thiss World Oral Health Day (Maarch 20), we got experts to bustb 10 myths to preveent teeth problems in thee future.
BRUSHING IS BAD FOR R BLEEDING GUMS
“Gums typically bleed due to inflammation that is usually caused by food particles trapp e between the tee eth and gums. It ca auses a buildup of pla aque that irritates gu um tissue. So, brus sh and floss gently, but do notn stop either activity,” says Dr Varun Shah, an orthodontist. Though, bear in mind that bleeding gums should never be considered normal.
SUGAR IS THE WORST FOOD FOR YOUR TEETH
This may come as a shocker to many, but munching on potato chips and crackers can actually be worse for your teeth than sugar. “These foods have high sugar content and tend to stick to the teeth. Crackers often hang around in the mouth for a long time, while some candies may actually dissolve faster and get washed away with water and saliva,” says Dr Abhijeet Desai, an orthodontist.
BRUSH IMMEDIATELY AFTER EATING
Acids created by food harm the protective enamel on the teeth, so your teeth are actually at their weakest after a meal. “The saliva generated by the body is used to correct these high acid levels and wash away any particles that remain in the mouth. So, brushinghi b will ill only l further damage the enamel,” says Dr Desai. One should wait for at least an hour and then brush. Also, remember to brush at least twice a day and for two minutes.
WHITE TEETH = HEALTHY TEETH
Teeth are naturally shades of off-white. “So, don’t stress too much if yours aren’t gleaming white. Also, keep in mind that your teeth will get more discoloured as you age. Just take good care of them by brushing and flossing regularly, and avoid food and drink that leave stains over time,” says Dr Shah. Some saliva-inducing snacks to add to your diet are carrots, broccoli and celery.
BRACES ARE FOR TEENAGERS
The ppurposep of ggettingg braces is to fix crowded, crooked or poorly spaced teeth. “Badly aligned teeth are more susceptible to plaque buildups that can impact the overall hygiene of your mouth. Also, there are methods today that are barely noticeable and leave you with an even set of teeth in six months,” says Dr Shah. So, set aside any apprehensions you might have about age being a factor and get your teeth fixed.
BRUSHING HARD RESULTS IN CLEANER TEETH
Your tooth is protected from cavities and decay by hard enamel. Brushing too hard could damage your teeth by eroding enamel. “Use a gentlebristled brush instead and be gentle but firm in your strokes. Your teeth will thank you,” says Dr Des ai.
F MY TEETHH DON’T URT, THHEY ARE EALTHHY
st likke many ysiical health suues; dental oblems are ten pain-free n their initial ages. This is specially true or chronic um disease nd cavities. ce they oggress, weever, the atmment can be ensivve, expensive causee some ount of diiscomfort. st like you schedules an nual health cheeckup to maintain a healthy body, see your dentist as recommended,” says Dr Shah.
GUM DISEASE IS ONLY A PROBLEM FOR YOUR MOUTH
“Though your dentist may be the first one to spot it, gum disease has links to health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. And certain types of cancer are related to chronic inflammation. So it is imperative that you look after the health of both your body and your mouth,” says Dr Desai.
PREGNANT WOMEN CAN’T HAVE DENTAL TREATMENTS
Though it is highly recommended that pregnant women avoid dental surgery and X-rays till the baby is born, there is no reason to put off a visit to a dentist for regular checkups. “Pregnancy causes hormone changes that can alter the acid in a woman’s mouth and cause tooth decay. A checkup can help prevent issues in the future,” says Dr Desai.
MOUTHWASH WILL SOLVE MY BAD BREATH
Bad breath can be brought on by certain medications, illnesses, foods and poor dental hygiene. So, mouthwash alone is not the solution. Maintain oral hygiene with regular brushing, daily flossing, and tongue scraping to get rid of any remaining bacteria on your tongue.