Breaking myths about oral care

Dr Ajay Kakar

Oral health is a window to a person’s overall health and well-being. But sadly, many people are not aware about oral health and what all is happening inside their mouths. This holds true especially in a vast country like India, where socio-cultural factors, false traditional beliefs, lack of proper education, and nonscientific knowledge have given rise to many oral health myths. Here are some common ones which need to be cleared for a better understanding.

Myth #1

Use of hard brushes is necessary for thorough cleaning

Fact: It’s a common misconception that hard bristled toothbrushes clean better. In fact, hard bristles can damage your tooth structure. Compared to hard bristles, soft bristles can clean teeth more effectively.

Myth #2

Cleaning with salt makes teeth white and shiny

Fact: Usage of coarse materials such as salt in cleaning procedures causes abrasion of teeth, and dentinal sensitivity rises. Cleaning of teeth should be done using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, regularly.

Myth #3

You don’t need treatment for tooth sensitivity

Fact: Tooth sensitivity primarily occurs when the enamel of the tooth gradually wears away, exposing softer tissue called dentine. When this exposed dentine comes into contact with anything hot, cold, sweet, or sour, it can trigger the nerves and cause a short sharp twinge. The best and fastest way to solve the problem of tooth sensitivity is to visit your dentist. Switching your basic toothpaste to specialised desensitising toothpaste will help provide greater relief.

Myth #4

Teeth whitening lasts forever

Fact: Teeth whitening are not permanent. People who expose their teeth to foods and beverages that cause staining may see the whiteness starting to fade in one month. Those who avoid foods and beverages that stain teeth may be able to wait one year or longer before the next whitening treatment or touch-up is needed.

Myth #5

Only kids can develop cavities

Fact: Tooth decay is not just a problem for children. It can happen at any age, as long as you have natural teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can build-up on teeth. Plaque produces acids that, sooner or later, create a cavity. Even teeth that already have fillings are at risk. Plaque can build up underneath a chipped filling and cause new decay.

Myth #6

First teeth/milk teeth are not as important as permanent teeth

Fact: Early loss of milk teeth has been known to interfere with chewing and affect a child’s nutrition, which leads to drifting of the adjacent teeth and closure of some of the space that is required for the succeeding permanent teeth to erupt into. Such a loss of space will cause the permanent teeth to erupt in irregular positions and result in crowding. Therefore, milk teeth need to be taken care of as much as permanent teeth. It is advisable to start the habit of cleaning the infant’s teeth soon after they appear in the mouth.

— The writer is a periodontist, implantologist, Le Visage dento facial centre, Mumbai