Common Myths About Dental Health

It is often said that the state of one's dental health mirrors the overall state of the individual's health. As such, it is important for teenagers to know what it takes to take good care of their teeth. The best way to do this to gather as much factual information as possible about oral health.

This article debunks a few prevalent myths about oral health for the benefit of young adults learning to care for their teeth.

No Pain, No Problem

A large number of people will only book an appointment with the family dentist when they experience pain and/ or discomfort within the mouth. Perhaps many of such people are responsible for the prevalence of this myth.

Dental problems will often not be accompanied by immediate pain. In fact, a large number of dental problems will be painless during their early stages of development. Examples of such problems include dental cavities and chronic gum disease. Only a dentist can detect one such problem in its developmental stages, which often happens during routine dental check-ups.

In a large number of cases, the occurrence of pain and /or discomfort is an indication that a dental problem has developed to an advanced stage.

Rinsing The Mouth With Water After Brushing Is A Good Idea

This may come as a shocker to a large number of teenagers because this is almost a reflex action for many. However, this may not be the best of oral hygiene practices.

The pastes used when brushing teeth often have high quantities of fluoride. Fluoride is an important compound in the fight against tooth decay. It also helps to strengthen the enamel found in teeth.

As such, it is recommended that teenagers should spit out excess paste after brushing their teeth instead of using water to rinse the mouth. Doing this ensures that a bit of fluoride is left in the mouth for the above-mentioned reasons. Spit, don't rinse.

No Brushing Or Flossing On Bleeding Gums

Many teenagers often believe the false notion that their gums are bleeding because they've been brushing too hard. This prompts a large number of such teenagers to stop brushing their teeth in accordance with their regular oral hygiene routine.

The opposite may actually be true. Bleeding gums are often an indication of developing gum diseases that result from poor dental hygiene. Observing a proper brushing and flossing routine when the gums are bleeding will help to reduce chances of developing more serious oral health complications.

Teenagers should be sure to get their dental hygiene facts right. Keep Smiling.

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