When it comes to oral health, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Some of it comes from old habits, and some from viral social media “hacks” that can actually harm your teeth.
Our dental experts are here to clear things up and help you protect your smile with facts, not myths.
Myth: Brushing harder cleans your teeth better
Fact: Brushing too hard can damage your enamel and gums.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions — consistency matters more than pressure.
Myth: You only need to see the dentist if something hurts
Fact: Pain is often a late symptom.
Regular check-ups every six months can catch cavities, gum issues, and infections before they become serious (and expensive).
Myth: Sugar is the only cause of cavities
Fact: Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities, but the real issue is how long sugar stays on your teeth.
Rinse your mouth or brush after eating sweets — and don’t forget that starchy foods (like chips or bread) also turn into sugars.
Myth: Whitening damages your enamel
Fact: Professional whitening, when done under supervision, is completely safe.
Only unregulated, at-home whitening kits with unknown ingredients can harm your enamel.
Myth: Baby teeth don’t need much care
Fact: Healthy baby teeth are essential for speech development and guiding permanent teeth into place.
Cavities in baby teeth can affect adult teeth growing beneath them.
Myth: If my gums bleed, I should stop brushing
Fact: Bleeding gums are often a sign of gingivitis — and stopping brushing makes it worse.
Keep brushing gently, floss daily, and visit your dentist for a cleaning.
Myth: Mouthwash can replace brushing
Fact: Mouthwash is great for fresh breath, but it doesn’t remove plaque.
It should always be used after brushing and flossing, not instead of them.
Myth: Flossing isn’t necessary
Fact: Flossing removes food and bacteria between teeth where your brush can’t reach.
Skipping flossing means missing about 40% of your tooth surfaces!
Myth: Chewing gum is as good as brushing
Fact: Sugar-free gum can freshen your breath and stimulate saliva, but it doesn’t clean your teeth.
Think of it as a short-term fix, not a substitute for brushing.
Myth: Bad breath always means poor hygiene
Fact: Persistent bad breath can also be caused by gum disease, sinus infections, or digestive issues.
If brushing and flossing don’t help, it’s time to see your dentist.
Taking care of your teeth starts with knowing the truth.
By breaking these common myths, you can prevent problems before they start and keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come.