There are all sorts of misconceptions out there about keeping your teeth clean. And most of it is very, very wrong. We here at Mission Hill Family Dental have sorted through the mess to help set you straight. Check out the following teeth cleaning myths to separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: Brush Often

You probably think you should brush as often as you can during the day to keep your teeth clean, including after lunch and snacks. Actually, though, over-brushing can be harmful to your teeth because it wears them down. Stick to brushing your teeth twice a day, and remember to always rinse after eating.

Myth #2: Don’t Floss Bleeding Gums

If your gums are painful and bleeding, you probably tend to wait for them to heal before you floss. But that’s not what you should do! In fact, if you floss regularly, your gums will heal sooner. You need to clean bleeding gums to get rid of the plaque that’s irritating them. The more you floss, the healthier and less painful your gums will be.

Myth #3: Clean Before Your Appointment; Your Dentist Won’t Notice

Are you the type who brushes and flosses right before your dentist appointment in the hopes that we won’t notice that you haven’t been properly taking care of your teeth? Trust us, your dentist can tell! If you haven’t brushed or flossed in a while, your gums will be red and swollen. Be honest with us about your level of care, and it will be a better experience all around.

Myth #4: No Teeth Means No Need for Dental Care

Have you put off bringing your child to the dentist because he or she hasn’t gotten in a tooth yet? Just because your child’s first tooth hasn’t erupted doesn’t mean you don’t still need to care for their mouth and gums. It’s important for children be taken to the dentist by age 1 in order to help establish a healthy dental routine.

Myth #5: A Hard-Bristled Brush Cleans Teeth Faster

Scrubbing your teeth with a hard toothbrush head? The American Dental Association recommends you use a soft-bristled toothbrush so you don’t damage your gums by over-brushing.

Myth #6: Replace Your Toothbrush Every Year

Not true! You should replace your toothbrush every three months, or even sooner if the bristles start to look worn. It will depend on the type of toothbrush you use, and how often you use it.

Myth #7: White Teeth Are Healthy & Don’t Need as Much Care

While having white teeth is nice for photos, it does not necessarily translate to dental health. Teeth come in many different shades, and no matter what color yours are it’s important to clean them regularly.

Myth #8: Pregnant Women Should Avoid Brushing & Flossing

This is an old wives’ tale and completely untrue. It’s very important for pregnant women to keep up their dental hygiene throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis is also common, so be sure to stick to your regular exam schedule. Just let us know you’re expecting, so we can be sure to avoid X-rays unless absolutely necessary.