Oral Health Myth Busting

Myth 1 – You should rinse your mouth with water after brushing your teeth.

It is recommended not to rinse your mouth out with water immediately after brushing your teeth because the water will dilute and wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste.

Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against tooth decay, so the aim is to maximise the time the fluoride is in contact with your teeth. Washing your mouth out or drinking immediately after brushing your teeth will reduce its effectiveness.

When you have finished brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste and wait at least 10-15 minutes before drinking.

Myth 2 – You should brush your teeth straightaway after eating.

If possible, it is best to wait 30-60 minutes after you have eaten before brushing your teeth, especially if you have consumed anything acidic.

Acidic food or drink can dissolve minerals from the enamel on your teeth, weakening it. By waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, your saliva will help to remineralise the enamel and wash away the acid. However, if you cannot wait, brush your teeth with very gentle strokes.

Myth 3 – Brushing your teeth harder makes your teeth cleaner.

In fact, brushing your teeth too hard can have the opposite effect!

Brushing your teeth too hard can erode the enamel surface layer of your teeth, which is important to keep intact to help prevent decay. Similarly, brushing your gums with too much force can lead to receding and painful gums.

If you are brushing too hard, you will notice your toothbrush bristles will wear quickly, your gum line might start to recede, or you might notice some sensitivity which could be a result of enamel erosion.

Many electric toothbrushes now include sensors to alert you when you are brushing too hard.

Myth 4 – If you have no concerns about your teeth, you do not need to visit the dentist.

It is extremely important to visit your dentist and dental therapist regularly, even if you do not have any concerns.

Dentists can monitor your overall oral health and detect any problems early, even if you do not have any symptoms. They can help to prevent any problems from developing further, reducing the need for further and costly treatment. This can be especially important for people who are considered at higher risk from gum disease including smokers, pregnant women, or older people.

They can clean your teeth properly to remove plaque build-up and help with your overall health, which as we know is linked closely to your oral health.

Myth 5 – Your oral health is not connected to your overall health and wellbeing.

Your oral health plays a vital role in your overall health.

Poor oral health resulting in gum disease can lead to further health concerns such as heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. It can also increase your risk of arthritis, issues during pregnancy and birth and some cancers.

Poor oral health can also have a significant effect on our self-confidence and mental wellbeing, especially if you have halitosis (bad breath) or missing teeth that prevent you from smiling or speaking in social situations.

Myth 6 – You do not need to brush baby teeth.

Did you know that introducing a good oral health routine to children from an early age will not only help them to continue those habits throughout their lives but help to remove plaque and bacteria which can cause decay and gum disease in both their baby and permanent teeth.

Baby teeth are important for speech developments, chewing food and to help support and guide permanent teeth into their correct positions so it is extremely important to make sure the teeth and gums are as healthy as possible.