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Dental Myths

06/03/2023 Dental
  • Chewing ice generates cavities.

False. Ice is water; therefore, it does not generate cavities. Remember that cavities occur when there is an increase of bacteria that is generated almost as a general rule with a rise in carbohydrates; this causes the PH to change, becoming more acidic and demineralizing the tooth. 

In any case, chewing on ice is not recommended since its hardness could hurt a tooth with a pre-existing fissure.

 

  • Eating very hot/cold food will loosen your teeth..

False. No food or drink, no matter how hot or cold, causes teeth to "loosen". Greater sensitivity can be generated, which depends on the quality of the enamel and dentin; if they are defective, eating this type of food will likely cause a discharge of electric pain because the overstimulation goes directly to the nerve.

 

The quality of the enamel depends on genetic and dietary factors; for example, very acidic foods can cause premature wear of the enamel. A worn enamel can not be recovered; only an aesthetic procedure like veneers can restore a normal-looking tooth.

 

  • Chewing gum replaces toothbrushing.

False. Chewing gum does not help in any way to clean teeth because it skips the primary cleaning step, which is the mechanical sweeping of the teeth, removing all food residue. In any case, the effect that it has, and that is proven, is it increases salivary amylase, an enzyme that helps break down food in the stomach.

 

Chewing gum and commercial mouthwashes have the same function: to perfume the mouth and hide the foul odor.

  • Toothpicks are not recommended because it hurts the mouth.

True. Very true; toothpicks are too thick to remove food between the teeth, injuring your gums. It is best to always carry dental floss.

 

  • A hard bristle brush is better than a soft bristle brush.

Depends. Generally, the recommendation is to use medium bristles; harder or softer bristles are suggested based on the consultation and assessment.

 

Here I also like to be emphatic about the time you should change your toothbrush:

  • Ideally? Change it every month.
  • Maximum? Change it after 3 months.

Toothbrushes store a lot of bacteria, not only because they clean your mouth but also because of the environment in which they are located, considering that the bathroom is very humid.

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