• Myth No. 1: Brushing before the dental appointment will make the dentist not notice that regular brushing is not done since the last dental visit.

         Not following the recommended two-minute brushing twice daily will make the gums red, swollen and bleed easily, making it obvious to the dentist. There’s no way the dentist will not know that the patient is not brushing regularly.

  • Myth No. 2: If gums are bleeding, brushing and flossing should not be done.

         The opposite is true. Regular brushing and flossing is needed to remove plaque build-up which causes gum bleeding. Bleeding is a sign of gum brokerage, more care must be practiced to avoid harder to treat oral problems. Professional dental cleaning may be required if the bleeding persists.

  • Myth No. 3: You shouldn’t go to the dentist when you are pregnant. 

         While it is true that pregnant women should avoid oral surgery and exposure to x-rays, visiting the dentist and making sure that your gums are healthy while you’re pregnant is actually integral to the health of your baby. During your appointment, be sure to bring up any bleeding or swelling you may have noticed so that dentist can address the problem before it has a chance to worsen.

  • Myth No. 4: You should brush your teeth after every meal.

         Brushing right after you eat can actually harm your teeth. The acids in the foods and beverages we consume temporarily soften tooth enamel, and brushing while they are in this state can contribute to undue erosion. Instead, wait at least an hour after you eat to brush to prevent this kind of damage.

  • Myth No. 5: My teeth look and feel just fine, so I don’t need to visit the dentist.

        Even if your teeth appear healthy, routine exams and cleanings are vital to continued oral health. It is during regular checkups that dentist examine all teeth and soft tissues for signs of damage that may not be visible to the naked eye.

  • Myth No. 6: Diet soda won’t hurt my smile like regular sodas will.

        Though diet sodas do lack the sugar known to contribute to decay, they still contain large amounts of citric acid; this acid softens enamel and makes it more susceptible to erosion and cavities. Limit the amount of carbonated soft drinks and citrus juices you drink every day to reduce your risk of enamel damage.

Keep smiling!! :)

Dr. Lakshmy