Is Chewing gum bad for your Teeth?

Myth or Truth – Gum that contains sugar is bad for your teeth as we know that plaque bacteria feed on the sugar and can lead to tooth decay. However, sugar free chewing gum can help keep teeth healthy. Chewing sugar free chewing gum can stimulate saliva production. Saliva has some protective qualities by neutralising plaque acids as well as washing away debris and food particles.

Is Fluoride Harmful?

Myth or Truth – fluoride levels in our water, toothpaste and mouthwash is not high enough to cause any adverse effects. Also, fluoride has been scientifically proven to benefit the health of our teeth. Fluoride in our toothpaste has shown a decrease in tooth decay in around 50% of children. It works by making the enamel stronger and more resistant to the plaque acids.

Is Fruit Juice Healthy for you and can it harm our Teeth?

Myth or Truth – Fruit juice is very acidic and has a high amount of sugar. The acid can dissolve our teeth over time (acid erosion) and the sugar can. increase incidence of tooth decay. The only safe drink for our teeth is water, even milk is not totally safe as it contains lactose which is a sugar.

Is Smoking only bad for my Teeth as it Causes Staining?

Myth or Truth – Smoking does cause staining, but it can also increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Gum disease is more likely to develop in smokers because the nicotine prevents their gum’s immune system from working properly. Therefore, the bacteria can cause more damage and it also slows down healing, so even E-cigarettes can affect this. People who smoke have a higher risk of oral cancer due to the carcinogens in the smoke that passes through their mouths and can even pool in the saliva on the floor of our mouths.

Does a hard Toothbrush Clean your Teeth Better?

Myth or Truth – a soft or medium brush is actually sufficient to clean teeth properly, provided you use the right technique and don’t scrub but use little circles instead. A hard brush could damage your teeth as the bristles remove some of the enamel that covers the teeth. It would take years of scrubbing with a hard toothbrush for this to happen but is safest to never use one in the first place. If in doubt use an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor (like the Oral B Pro2).

Do I only need to see a Dentist if I have a Problem or if Something Hurts?

Myth or Truth – the longer that you leave a dental problem the worse it usually gets and therefore the more extensive the treatment becomes. So, finding a problem early can mean much less treatment. Dentists check for many things at your routine checkup and some of them you wouldn’t be able to find yourself. For example, they will use x-rays to check for decay that would otherwise be undetected. This is important because you don’t always feel pain if you have tooth decay. They will also check for any abnormalities on your gums, tongue, roof and floor of your mouth, inside of your cheeks and throat that may be something normal like an ulcer. However, if an area that looks like an ulcer but doesn’t cause pain and doesn’t heal within two weeks, could be oral cancer. Even if you don’t have any teeth it’s important to have your mouth checked and make sure everything is healthy.

If you have heard of a dental myth and want it busted, contact our friendly staff at New Street Dental Care on 01264 301 301 who will happily explain anything to you. Or email us at info@newstreetdentalcare.co.uk.