There is so much information available out there that it can sometimes be difficult to tell truth from fiction. Unfortunately, when it comes to something as important as your dental health it is important to know what to believe. In today’s blog, we’ll debunk some popular dental health myths so that you can be in control of your teeth!
These dental health myths are equal parts common and untrue.
Myth 1: Always Rinse After Brushing
Growing up, you probably often heard your mother say, “Spit, don’t swallow!” While it is important not to swallow toothpaste, you also shouldn’t necessarily rinse out your mouth when you’re done. This is because your toothpaste contains a host of beneficial ingredients such as fluoride which has a beneficial impact when left in contact with your teeth.
Myth 2: Brush Right After Eating
While it might seem to make sense to give your teeth a good scrub after you’ve eaten, it’s actually not in the best interest of your teeth. Instead, you should always wait at least half an hour after a meal before you pick up your toothbrush. Many foods cause your enamel to soften and weaken and brushing while your enamel is compromised can cause serious problems down the line. If you can’t stand the thought of dirty teeth for those 30 minutes then you can chew a piece of sugar-free gum to get your saliva flowing which will help to wash away any harmful bacteria.
Myth 3: Sugar-free Sodas Are Fine For Your Teeth
We all know that sugar causes cavities, so therefore sugar-free sodas must be a better alternative, right? Wrong. In fact, diet sodas are actually just as bad for your teeth as their sugary counterparts. Unfortunately, this holds true for fruit juice as well, which is loaded with tons of sugar. Both diet soda and fruit juice contain acids that weaken the enamel on your teeth and can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, gingivitis, tooth sensitivity, and even the possibility of tooth loss. To stay on the safe side, stick with water, unsweetened herbal tea, or milk (which has the added bonus of giving your teeth a much-needed calcium boost).
Get In Touch With Olney Dental Today
Interested in learning more about how cosmetic dentistry can make your smile happier? Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter,Google+,Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.