The 10 biggest dental care myths

To keep our teeth healthy, they should be carefully cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day. Daily use of dental floss is also recommended to remove food residue from between the teeth. In addition to toothbrushes and the like, there are many other tips for healthy teeth. But be careful: Not everything that is said about  dental care  is actually true. We clear up the 10 biggest dental care myths. 

1) Scrubbing hard works best

Not correct! While it’s important to clean your teeth thoroughly, vigorous scrubbing isn’t necessary. Because if you press too hard with the toothbrush, you put a strain on your teeth and gums. The pressure can cause the gums to retract, leaving the necks of the teeth exposed. In addition, the protective enamel can be damaged. Therefore, when cleaning, you should make sure that you only apply light pressure.

2) Bad teeth are hereditary

Not correct! Bad teeth are not hereditary – just because your parents had bad teeth doesn’t mean you’ll get dental problems yourself. Some factors are genetic, such as the thickness of the enamel or the position of the teeth. In general, however, a clean tooth does not get caries – and you are solely responsible for keeping your teeth clean.

3) Black tea damages teeth

Not correct! Although some  types of tea  – including black tea – cause the teeth to become discolored – this discoloration can be polished off without any problems. Black tea does not damage tooth enamel, only some very acidic fruit teas can cause damage if consumed frequently. Black tea, on the other hand, can even have a positive effect on teeth because it  contains fluoride  , which is said to harden tooth enamel.

4) Chewing gum replaces brushing your teeth

Not correct! Chewing gum  is by no means a substitute for brushing and flossing your teeth. Rather, chewing should be viewed as an additional maintenance measure – provided it is sugar-free gum.

Special dental care chewing gums with  xylitol  or similar substances are particularly recommended. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which neutralizes harmful acids and hardens tooth enamel. In order to remove the plaque sitting on the teeth,   careful  brushing  is absolutely necessary.

5) Eating apples prevents tooth decay

Not correct! The rumor that eating hard foods like apples or  carrots  can prevent tooth decay is stubborn. In fact, such foods wear away the upper plaque on the teeth. A toothbrush and dental floss are indispensable for removing stubborn plaque and cleaning the spaces between your teeth.

However, there is nothing wrong with snacking on an apple or carrot in between. With apples, however, you should note that they are rich in fructose and the acid they contain can attack tooth enamel.

6) Milk teeth do not need to be cared for

Not correct! The opinion that milk teeth can have caries because they fall out anyway is widespread. However, milk teeth must also be carefully cared for. Caries on the milk teeth can damage the crown of the permanent teeth.

If the milk tooth is lost early due to caries, the permanent tooth can also break through the gums in a bad position, making orthodontic corrections necessary later.

7) Brushing your teeth right after eating is important

Not correct! It is best to brush your teeth shortly after eating, but not immediately afterwards. This is especially true if you ate fruit for dessert. Because the acidity of fruits and fruit juices softens the tooth enamel and can damage it when brushing your teeth.

In addition to fruit, drinks such as wine or cola can also soften tooth enamel. Therefore, wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. That’s about how long it takes  saliva  to neutralize the acid in your mouth.

8) All whitening toothpastes are harmful

Not correct! When it comes to whitening toothpastes, it always depends on the product in question. Many of the pastes contain aggressive abrasives that attack the enamel and can damage the tooth. It is better to stay away from such products. However, some creams are also relatively mild and contain only a few abrasive substances. If in doubt, ask your dentist whether the paste in question poses a risk to your teeth.

Alternatively, if you want whiter teeth, you can consider having your  teeth bleached  . But here, too, you should consult your dentist.

9) One minute of brushing your teeth is enough

Not correct! Instead of one minute, you should invest at least three minutes in your dental care both in the morning and in the evening. That’s about how long it takes for all plaque to be removed from the tooth surfaces when brushing. In addition, the substances contained in the toothpaste, such as fluoride, have to act on the teeth for a certain amount of time. It is particularly important to take the time to brush your teeth in the evening, as teeth can regenerate best overnight.

10) Smoking only superficially stains the teeth

Not correct! Anyone who smokes regularly must expect their teeth to turn yellow over time. Superficial discolorations can be polished away, but deeper discolorations remain.

Smoking also reduces the supply of blood and oxygen to the gums. This can lead to painful  gingivitis  and, in the worst case, even to  periodontitis  and tooth loss.