Dental Myths Busted

There are several misconceptions regarding oral care that may adversely affect dental health. In this month’s blog the team at College Dental Surgeries try to bust some of the most common misconceptions.Brushing

Myth 1 – Brushing harder results in cleaner teeth:Brushing too hard or using a stiff bristled brush can erode the enamel that forms the protective barrier on your teeth and damage your gums. Here at College Dental Surgeries the team would always advise the use of a soft bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor to help protect your smile.Bleeding

Myth 2 – Flossing is unnecessary: Brushing alone cleans only part of the tooth surfaces. Flossing or using interdental cleaning aids is essential for cleaning areas between teeth that brushing cannot reach. If you notice any bleeding when you brush or floss, it is important to be even more thorough as this is caused by a build up of plaque and bacteria. Over time as the gums become healthier the bleeding will stop.

Myth 3 – Bleeding gums should be ignored: Bleeding gums typically indicate inflammation caused by plaque or bacteria buildup. If bleeding occurs during brushing or flossing, it is important to improve your oral hygiene to remove plaque and bacteria. As gum health improves, bleeding will subside.Dental check-ups

Myth 4 – Rinse your mouth after brushing: You should spit, not rinse after brushing. This allows the fluoride in the toothpaste to continue working on your teeth promoting enamel mineralisation.Rinsing your mouth immediately can remove helpful fluoride.

Myth 5 – Dental check-ups are unnecessary in the absence of pain: Many dental issues do not cause immediate discomfort. Early detection through regular check-ups enables simpler treatment interventions, whereas delayed attention may require more complex procedures. Dentists can identify potential problems well before symptoms arise.

For further information on how common misconceptions may impact your dental health, please contact College Dental Surgeries at 01622 752340 where our team is available to assist you.