There is a lot of information floating around about the healthiest things that you can do for your smile, and quick-fixes that deliver aesthetic results. While some of this information is undoubtedly correct, much of it is myth. That’s why our Santa Monica dentists have put together this short article debunking commonly held beliefs about dentistry. Let’s get started!
The first misunderstanding that we want to clear us is that it is always better to brush as much as possible. While brushing your smile is an integral part of any oral hygiene routine, you don’t want to go overboard with it. The general recommendation from the ADA is that patients brush their teeth once in the morning and once at night. Brushing more frequently could lead to gum tissue recession and enamel erosion. Be especially careful not to brush right after you have consumed something acidic, as your dental enamel is temporarily softened after acid exposure.
The next commonly-help belief about dentistry is that you should scrub your smile to clear away plaque. In truth, the best way to clean your teeth is to use very gentle circular buffing motions to remove plaque and dental debris. There is no need to scrub; it is actually preferable to apply very little pressure of a long period of time (two minutes).
Another thing that many people hear is that bleeding gums are normal and not something to worry about. If you notice a little blood when you floss or brush your teeth you don’t need to panic, but you do need to stay aware of the problem and contact your dentist if it persists. Bleeding gum tissue is a sign that your oral tissues have become infected with harmful bacteria. Prompt treatment for gum disease can help you avoid more severe oral health problems down the road.
As always our Santa Monica dental team is happy to answer any additional questions that you may have. The best way to reach our team is to give us a call, or us the Contact Us page on our website!