Could you be doing certain things which unbeknown to you are damaging your teeth? Several common theories and notions which are widely believed to be true by many people, could be having a negative impact on your dental health which in the long run could lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Even though oral healthcare is more widely accessible than ever before, many people still cling to notions which they believe to be right when it comes to what is healthy for teeth and gums and what isn’t. As a Southampton dentist, we believe in dental education for all our patients which is why we’re using this blog to dispel 3 of the most common myths which could be causing damage to your teeth and gums. So let’s take a look:
A visit to the dentist is only necessary if you have toothache – You’d be surprised how many people believe that if they’re not suffering any pain from their teeth, then their oral hygiene must be up to speed, and why should they bother to visit a dentist. The thing is, tooth pain is often an advanced indication that there is a problem and by this time, the damage could be so extensive that the only solution is extraction. Patients can still develop common conditions without there being any obvious symptoms which is why we recommend regular six monthly check-ups so that any problems can be diagnosed in their early stages and treated right away.
- Brushing and flossing should be stopped if your gums bleed – If you notice blood when you brush your teeth or floss, then we understand how you could think the best thing to do is to stop brushing since it may be doing more harm than good to your gums. However, this notion is totally false. While you should be brushing at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush and flossing between your teeth once day, you should never stop just because your gums are bleeding. This is a sign that your gums are inflamed and possibly irritated by plaque and tartar. If you notice bleeding then continue as usual with brushing and flossing but make an appointment with your dentist for a check-up as quickly as you can.
- White teeth are healthy – Although most of associate brilliant white teeth with a healthy smile and good oral health, this is not always the case. Although white teeth certainly look attractive it doesn’t necessarily mean they are healthy. The reason for this is that many oral conditions such as infections or tooth decay don’t produce signs which are clearly visible. For example, your teeth could be moderately infected but still look white and healthy. For this reason, it’s important to attend regular check-ups with your dentist in Southampton.
If you haven’t had a dental check-up recently then perhaps it’s time you did. Don’t worry we aren’t here to judge but we are here to help get your oral hygiene back on track. If you live in or around Southampton, then why not give Smilemakers a call today on 02380 442626 and book a consultation with Dr, Thomas Darling. We’re a general and cosmetic dentist in Southampton who are committed to providing friendly dental care for all your family.
