Our Saint Louis dentists make it a priority to educate our patients about optimal oral health, so that they are empowered to make good decisions for their smiles. Today, we’re talking about a few common misconceptions it the world of dentistry. Keep reading to learn more…
Baby Teeth
Because pediatric dental patients lose their primary teeth as they get older, some people incorrectly assume that children don’t need professional dental care. The truth is that it is important for children to maintain healthy and strong baby teeth for a number of developmental reasons. Your youngster should absolutely be coming in for professional cleanings, and caring for his or her smile at home.
Brush Whenever
All brushing is not created equal; it matters when and how you clean your smile. For example, you want to make sure that you are brushing your teeth after you’re completely done eating and drinking (anything other than water) for the day. Also, be sure to wait to brush for 20 to 30 minutes after eating and drinking anything acidic—your dental enamel is softer than usual after acid exposure.
Diet Soda is Neutral
Some patients mistakenly believe that diet soda doesn’t negatively affect oral health, and that drinking it regularly won’t harm your smile. It’s important to remember that even diet soda is quite acidic; many diet drinks clock in at a 2 or 3 on the acid pH scale.
Braces Are Purely Aesthetic
Undoubtedly, orthodontic treatment can transform appearance of your smile, but that’s not all this type of treatment can accomplish. Perfecting dental alignment can also make it easier to keep your smile clean day-to-day. Additionally, a well-aligned bite minimizes your risk of developing TMJ problems, bruxism, and thin enamel.
Clean Aggressively
You don’t have to scrub your smile in order to clean your teeth effectively. And, in fact, doing so can lead to enamel damage and gum tissue recession. It’s actually best to use gentle pressure when you brush your teeth; you can also talk to your dental team about what type of bristle firmness is right for your smile.
Today, we’re just scratching the surface; there is so much information to learn about preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry! If you have additional questions for our Saint Louis dental team, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team by phone, or through the Contact Us page on our site.