As you can imagine, at Krengel Dental we are always being asked questions that start with ?Is it true that??? regarding dental care. The not -so- good news is there are several dental myths out there, but the good news is that your Krengel Dental team is here to debunk the myths and give you the facts. Here is the truth about three dental myths that we have heard around the office.
Dental Myth #1: Chewing gum can be a good substitute for brushing
The Truth: While some chewing gums can support dental health, NO chewing gums can replace brushing effectively. Brushing twice a day and flossing once is key for keeping your pearly whites healthy and happy. Using mouthwash once a day and chewing sugar-free gum after meals can have a protective effect on teeth. Chewing gum does encourage saliva production which can help to wash away acids from foods or drinks that could harm teeth. However, chewing gum is not a replacement for brushing.
Dental Myth #2: If you have no pain, you don?t need a checkup or cleaning at the dentist.
The Truth: Sorry, but the ?no pain, no problem? motto will not serve you or your smile well. Your dental issues will not always cause pain right away and symptoms can be caught early on to avoid pain and more intensive, expensive treatment when you make sure to see your Krengel Dental dentist twice a year. Instead of waiting for a cavity to become a painful root canal, make sure to see us two times a year, pain or not, to avoid any future pain and complications.
Dental Myth #3:When your gums bleed after brushing and flossing, stop flossing!
The Truth: Nope! Not at all true! While we may think that our gums are being irritated due to brushing and flossing, they are actually bleeding because they are inflamed due to the buildup of plaque and bacteria getting stuck in our teeth. When your gums bleed, it is a sign of inflammation and to reduce inflammation, you actually need to floss MORE. Bleeding is part of the process, and it should go away with time once flossing is a regular habit. However, if the bleeding does not lessen or stop after a few days, make sure to check in with your Krengel Dental dentist.
While we only covered some of the dental myths and misconceptions out there, we are always here to give you the facts when it comes to keeping your smile shiny and bright. Have you heard some other dental information you want to fact check? Call us today (952-888-1311) and a friendly dental team member will be happy to help you.
