6 More dental myths debunked!

No, we are not talking about the tooth fairy when we say dental care myths and facts! In this series we bust some commonly held myths about colas, candies and cavities. Dr Ranjitha of Green Meadow Dental, Newington, CT 06111, helps bust more dental health myths.

• Myth: A hard toothbrush is more effective than one with soft bristles.

Fact: This is another myth that looks logical at first sight, but hard bristles, and even brushing too hard can wear out the enamel (the hard white portion of your teeth, leaving them weak and susceptible to tooth decay or damage.

• Myth: Those who don’t brush their teeth properly get bad breath.

Fact: Poor dental hygiene (like not brushing teeth) is one of many causes of bad breath. These include smoking, dry mouth, eating strong smelling food, and even some chronic diseases like diabetes, gastric reflux, some kinds of respiratory, kidney and liver diseases.

• Myth: A raw diet is better for teeth than a cooked food.

Fact: This is partly true, a healthy dose of fresh crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, and carrots is indeed good for the teeth (and your health), but if a diet is too high on raw food, it can actually have the opposite effect, all the chewing and grinding can lead to excessive wearing out of the teeth.  

• Myth: Diet soda is better for teeth than regular soda as there no sugar.

Fact: Most sodas contain lots of sugar, which in itself is something of a tooth enemy. Most colas and soft drinks are acidic to boot. Acidic foods erode the enamel (the hard white portion of your teeth).  Diet sodas may not contain sugar, but can still damage your teeth due to their acidity, which can be more than regular sodas.

• Myth: I don’t need to visit the dentist, I brush twice a day!

Fact: Brushing twice a day is definitely a good dental care practice, but the twelve hour gap between brushing teeth is enough to wreak havoc on your teeth if other good dental habits are not followed. Regardless of your dental habits, it is recommended that you get a dental check-up and visit the dental hygienist once in six months.

• Myth: Kids get more cavities than adults.

Fact: While tooth decay is the most common chronic infectious disease in kids, when it comes to cavities, adults still lead when it comes to untreated tooth decay – 23 out of 100 adults have untreated tooth decay, compared to 15 out of 100 children.

Families from Cromwell find the easy drive to Newington well worthwhile because or our expertise and modern facilities, our friendly dental team and the relaxing disposition of Dr. Mukund. To know more contact , Green Meadow Dental, 3579B Berlin Turnpike, Newington CT06111 (860)-865-0056. We also service patients from surrounding areas including Southington, Rocky Hill and Berlin.