Debunking Dental Myths

Do you know the facts about your teeth and dental health? You’d be surprised at how many things people believe that just aren’t true. Here, we debunk some common dental myths and give you the real scoop.

• Myth 1: You should brush your teeth immediately after eating. In fact, it’s better to wait at least 30 minutes after a meal. Saliva offsets the acids in the foods you eat; waiting to brush gives it a chance to do its job.
• Myth 2: Kids don’t need the dentist until their permanent teeth come in. You might think that it doesn’t matter if baby teeth have cavities, but it’s important to care for those first teeth. Children should see a dentist before their first birthday.
• Myth 3: If your gums bleed, that means you need to stop flossing. Gums bleed because of inflammation caused by bacteria and plaque stuck between the teeth. Get into the habit of flossing every day, and eventually the bleeding and inflammation will go away.
• Myth 4: Brushing your teeth hard will get them cleaner. Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush that’s too firm can erode your enamel and damage your teeth, as well as causing your gums to recede.
• Myth 5: If your teeth are sensitive, it’s because you brushed them too hard. While it’s important to be gentle with your teeth, there are many factors that can cause sensitivity, like gum recession and the use of whitening toothpastes.
• Myth 6: Swishing with mouthwash is just as good as brushing. Mouthwashes can freshen breath and sometimes contain fluoride, but they’re no substitute for brushing when it comes to removing sticky plaque.
• Myth 7: Sugar rots your teeth. It’s not the sugar itself, but rather leaving it on your teeth that causes decay. Brushing twice a day keeps cavities at bay.
• Myth 8: Everyone needs the same dental care, regardless of health or life stage. Certain health conditions, like diabetes, require a very specific oral healthcare plan.
• Myth 9: If you don’t feel like anything is wrong with your teeth, you don’t need to see the dentist. It’s important to see the dentist twice yearly, even if you think you’re fine. Dentists can catch issues like gum disease, cavities, and even oral cancer early, before they become major problems.
• Myth 10: The care you take of your teeth only affects your mouth. Your oral health has a major impact on your entire body, and poor oral healthcare has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetic complications, respiratory issues, dementia, and more.

At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.