Maintaining proper oral health is a top priority.

Since an early age, you’ve been correctly told that it’s very important to brush your teeth twice a day, floss and take other preventive measures that promote healthy teeth and gums.

You may have also heard of some common misconceptions about oral hygiene that could lead you down an undesirable path.

Misconception: Flossing cleans and creates space in between teeth

It’s correct that flossing helps eliminate debris between teeth and gums, but it is not intended to create space between teeth.

Debris can carry harmful bacteria, which can lead to gum disease or other serious health concerns.

Some people may experience light bleeding when flossing, but it will subside once the gums gain strength through regular flossing.

Misconception: Chewing gum is like brushing

No, a stick of gum will not duplicate the effects of brushing your teeth. 

It’s true that chewing a piece of gum will promote fresher breath. But the benefits stop there.

Regular brushing and flossing will help remove debris and bacteria and will stimulate gums to keep them strong and healthy.

Misconception: Only white teeth are healthy

While everyone would love pearly white teeth, it’s false to say that white teeth are an indicator of healthy gums and teeth.

The truth is that people have different natural teeth colors that vary in lightness. Age can also be a factor in teeth color and tone.

A person with no cavities, strong gums and fresh breath is likely to be in good dental health.

Misconception: Sugar is the only culprit of cavities

Not quite. First off, sugar does not cause cavities directly.

When sugar breaks down inside your mouth, it is also feeding harmful bacteria that are responsible for plaque. Sugar can also disrupt acidity levels inside your mouth, which can eat away at tooth enamel.

Sugar-free drinks, alcohol, fruit, starchy food and the like can all lead to imbalances inside the mouth that give rise to cavities.

Misconception: No one can tell you don’t brush regularly

When people do not brush regularly, hard tarter becomes a serious concern. If you do not brush regularly, your dentist will notice, informing you that regular brushing cannot remove hard tarter.

After a while, tarter and plaque will build up and cause inflammation of the gums, which can be the beginning of far more serious dental complications.