FROM OUR BLOG

5 Common Teeth Cleaning Myths

There are many myths that surround the topic of oral hygiene. In this post, we will shed some light on five of the most common teeth cleaning myths that we hear about from our patients.

Myth 1: Brushing harder will clean your teeth more thoroughly. 

This may be the top misconception when it comes to oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth harder does not clean your teeth more thoroughly! In fact, aggressive tooth brushing can actually cause serious damage. When you brush your teeth too hard, you risk damaging the enamel, the part of your tooth that protects against cavities and decay.

Myth 2: Manual toothbrushes are better than electric toothbrushes.

The most important fact about your toothbrush isn’t whether it’s manual or electric, it’s the technique you use while brushing your teeth that matters. Both manual and electric toothbrushes are capable of cleaning your teeth properly, and there are benefits and disadvantages to both options. Choosing a toothbrush that makes brushing your teeth enjoyable for you is the best place to start!

Myth 3: If I use mouthwash, I don’t need to floss my teeth.

Flossing your teeth does take dedication. However, there is no substitute for the way that flossing cleans between each tooth. It has been estimated that if you fail to floss, you are not cleaning up to 40% of the surface of your teeth. Although mouthwash provides you with clean, fresh breath, you still need to floss your teeth each day.

Myth 4: It doesn’t matter what time of day you brush your teeth, as long as it gets done.

It is important for everyone, no matter their age, to brush their teeth twice each day. Most of us brush our teeth at the beginning of the day and brush again before we go to bed each night. There is actually great reasoning behind this! 

It is important to brush your teeth in the morning to freshen your breath and get rid of the plaque that has accumulated while sleeping. Brushing your teeth at night removes any leftover food that is stuck in your teeth. This eliminates the potential for cavities to form while you are sleeping. 

Myth 5: Toothpaste has to be sudsy to work.

The suds created by toothpaste cause us to think our teeth are getting a better clean. However, this is actually a myth! Ingredients are added to many brands of toothpaste to encourage the foaming sensation. These ingredients, and the suds they create, actually do not play a part in the cleaning process. More important than the suds your toothpaste creates, is the brushing technique you practice while cleaning your teeth each day.

By learning the facts behind these common teeth cleaning myths, we hope that you will be able to practice more effective oral hygiene. The most important fact to remember when cleaning your teeth is to brush for two minutes, twice a day. This will provide you with the time you need to thoroughly clean the surface of each tooth! 

If you need assistance or advice on your teeth cleaning routine, feel free to ask our team during your next visit!