Dental care

It’s an area of our health that perhaps doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. Make no mistake about it, though; staying on top of your dental health should be prioritised.

This isn’t about just having a beaming white smile. While this is a much-appreciated side effect, health insurers around the country are keen to point out that poor oral care can result in umpteen other issues.

To highlight the point in question, let’s now look at some of the top myths around this topic and debunk them for good.

1.  Brushing your teeth twice a day is enough

This isn’t strictly true. To maintain good oral health, you should aim to brush your teeth after every meal. In reality, twice per day is the absolute minimum and is rarely enough for most people.

Is this going to be inconvenient? You bet! However, ask any experienced dentist, and they will say the same; brushing after each meal is the only way to provide maximum protection against future issues. It might involve you taking a toothbrush to the office, but the end result is completely worthwhile.

2. You don’t need to floss

False! Flossing is an essential aspect of oral care and should not be neglected. In fact, flossing can remove up to 80% of plaque from your teeth – something that a toothbrush simply can’t do.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a case of “either-or”. Both flossing and brushing need to be part of any successful, healthy oral hygiene routine. Failing to do either can result in all of the issues discussed earlier in the article.

3. You only need to see the dentist once a year

Again, this isn’t strictly true. Depending on your oral care routine, you may need to see the dentist more or less often. However, a good rule of thumb is to visit at least once every 12 months and go from there. Quite often, if you’re in good health, you’ll be advised to visit once a year with a couple of hygienist visits in there for good measure.

4. You don’t need to worry about your diet

While it’s true that diet doesn’t play as big a role in oral health as some of the other factors mentioned, it’s still important to be mindful of what you’re eating. Sugary foods and drinks, for example, can cause cavities and other issues.

5. You can’t do anything about receding gums

This isn’t strictly true. If you’re experiencing receding gums, there are several things you can do to help.

One is to increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for gum health and can help to reverse the effects of gum recession.

You can also try using toothpaste or mouthwash specifically designed to help with gum health. Finally, brush and floss regularly to keep your gums healthy and strong.