1. Sugar Free Drinks are safe for teeth

We know that sugar can cause tooth decay so it’s understandable that you might think choosing a sugar free drink is protecting your teeth as well as being better for your health. Unfortunately, many sugar free drinks often contain citric acid and phosphoric acid which aren’t good news for teeth! Acids such as these can cause enamel erosion and this makes the teeth more prone to tooth decay.

Fluoridated tap water is the best drink for oral health and milk is good too. But if you do consume acidic beverages we recommend you rinse your mouth with water after and ideally drink them through a straw.

2. If my gums bleed when I brush them, I should stop brushing

Bleeding gums are mainly caused by a build-up of plaque near the gum line causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed. It may seem logical to immediately stop brushing, but actually it’s really important to continue brushing the area. This will help to clean up the plaque build-up. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean interdentally with floss or interdental brushes in the evening. At first, it may seem that your gums bleed more, but it will make a difference and the inflammation and bleeding will reduce. If you are worried about your gums and haven’t seen a dentist/hygienist recently, please book in to see your dentist.

3. Baby teeth don’t need looking after as they fall out anyway

We all know that baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by a permanent set of adult teeth. But this really doesn’t mean that they aren’t important. To start with they play a role in a child’s oral and facial development and are vital for assisting with speech and allowing them to chew properly.

These teeth also act as placeholders saving space for the permanent teeth to come in. If a tooth is lost early, the remaining teeth tend to shift to fill the gap. This can mean that the adult tooth below doesn’t come in straight.

We like to see our child patients every 6 months from the moment they get their first tooth or by their first birthday (whichever comes first). Starting visits early gets them used to the environment, helps them to feel comfortable and ensures future visits are stress free.

4. I only need to see my dentist when I am having problems

This might be true for seeing a doctor but it’s certainly not true for seeing a dentist. Dental issues can initially go unnoticed. Waiting until you are experiencing pain or a problem can mean that by this point more extensive and more expensive treatment is needed. Seeing your dentist regularly will help to catch problems early or prevent them ever arising. Plus, we screen for Mouth Cancer at every check-up appointment.

5. Brushing harder means cleaner teeth

It’s important to clean teeth thoroughly, but brushing them too hard can do more harm than good. Aggressive brushing can wear down the tooth enamel and can cause your gums to bleed and even recede. It is therefore advisable to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and to avoid applying too much pressure.

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Kate Hampton

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