Dental health demystified

This World Oral Health Day, debunk the myths surrounding oral hygiene. Here are some misconceptions associated with oral well-being

Sneha Mahale

Your teeth are the best friends you have 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 well-being in the long term. This World Oral Health Day (March 20), we got experts to bust some common myths so that you can prevent teeth problems in the future.

BRUSHING IS BAD FOR BLEEDING GUMS

“Gums typically bleed due to inflammation that is usually caused by food particles trapped between the teeth and gums. It causes a buildup of plaque that irritates gum tissue. So, brush and floss gently, but do not stop either activity,” says Dr Varun Shah, an orthodontist. However, bear in mind that bleeding gums should never be considered normal.

SUGAR IS THE WORST 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 mout .

So, brushing will only 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 that you could add to your diet are carrots, broccoli and celery.

BRACES ARE FOR TEENAGERS

The purpose of getting 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 that you may have about age being a factor, and get your teeth fixed.

BRUSHING HARD RESULTS IN CLEANER TEETH

Your teeth are protected from cavities and decay by hard enamel. Brushing too hard could damage your teeth by eroding the enamel. “Use a gentle-bristled brush instead and be gentle but firm in your strokes. Your teeth will thank you,” says Dr Desai.

IF MY TEETH DON’T HURT, THEY ARE HEALTHY

Just like many physical health issues, dental problems are also often pain free in their initial stages. This is especially true for chronic gum disease and cavities as well. Once they progress, however, the treatment can be extensive, expensive and can cause some amount of discomfort.

“Just like you schedule an annual health checkup to maintain a healthy body, see your dentist as recommended,” suggests 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

“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,” adds Dr Desai.