There’s no denying that the world of dentistry has come a long way. Various dental services are readily available in the market—from general dentistry to orthodontics down to cosmetic dentistry.

It goes without saying that people pay particular attention to their dental health. They get dental works for oral function and aesthetic value. However, getting dental services all boils down to one important matter—fostering oral health.

Unfortunately, some misconceptions about oral health continue to circulate. With wrong information thrown on people, they can get their dental health compromised. That’s why we’re here to set the record straight with our dental facts. Here are seven myths about oral health and the truth behind them:

Myth 1. Brushing Your Teeth Harder Is Effective.

The idea of brushing your teeth harder is psychological. You are under the impression that the harder you scrub your teeth, the cleaner they will be. This is wrong! The truth of the matter is that brushing harder is counterproductive. Doing so will only hurt your teeth and irritate your gums. It will also go as far as eroding your teeth’s enamel. The rule of thumb is to brush your teeth gently for about two minutes. Do this twice daily using a soft-bristled brush.

Myth 2. Sugar Is The Primary Cause Of Cavities.

Yes, sugar is one of the biggest contributors to cavities. But know that it isn’t sugar itself that is the culprit. It is the bacteria that feed on sugar, which are causing cavities. These bacteria thrive on your mouth, produce acid, and lead to tooth decay. Besides, there are two other primary culprits of dental cavities—acid foods and beverages. Hence, be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after every meal to reduce acid and plaque buildup.

Myth 3. It’s Normal To Have Bleeding Gums.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 52 percent of individuals 30 years old and above are suffering from gum diseases. Yes, bleeding gums are common among people, but they aren’t necessarily normal. This means that your gums don’t just bleed because of intense brushing. It occurs because of gum inflammation brought by excessive plaque. Chances are, your gum bleeding reflects the onset of gingivitis. If your gums bleed almost every day, the best course of action is to see your dentist.

Myth 4. Flossing Is Optional.

While brushing is natural among people, flossing appears to be taken for granted. In fact, a dental report shows that one in five Americans do not floss their teeth. What people fail to realize is how important flossing is for their overall oral health. The truth is, it removes up to 80 percent of plaque in your mouth. So having a daily flossing regimen can make a world of difference in your oral health.

Myth 5. Dentists And Orthodontists Offer The Same Services.

When we think of getting dental services, it immediately conjures images of dentists. And in most cases, we tend to think of dentists and orthodontists as offering the same services. Keep in mind that they aren’t necessarily the same. While dentists generally cover a wide range of dental issues, orthodontists specialize in bite correction and teeth alignment. Know that all orthodontists are dentists, but only three percent of them are orthodontists. So if you’re looking to address your teeth misalignment, see an experienced orthodontist instead.

Myth 6. Set Appointments Only If You Have Dental Issues.

No, you don’t see your dentist when you already have some dental issues. The worse is, you don’t wait to see your dentist until it’s a dental emergency. The thing is, prevention is and will always be better than cure. You must see your dentist every six months, whether or not you have dental problems. Doing so will make a difference in preventing oral problems and promoting your oral health.

Myth 7. Oral Health Doesn’t Affect Overall Health.

Did you know that your oral health affects your general health? There is already a proven link between your oral health and overall health. For instance, periodontitis, an advanced gum disease, is said to affect diabetes. The reason for this is that the bacteria in the mouth can get into your body via blood flow. Hence, as simple as taking care of your teeth can help maintain your health and well-being.

At this point, we’ve debunked the seven misconceptions about oral health. Now, you are more confident about getting dental services and ensuring your oral care. Not only will you improve your oral function, but you’ll also boost your oral health, and not to mention, have a pearly white smile.