New Delhi: There are several facts about the human body and overall health that many people continue to be unaware of and blinded to – oral health being the most important aspect of the same. Several studies associate, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other oral complications with a heightened risk of heart diseases, metabolic syndrome, pulmonary disorders, weight gain, and diabetes to name a few. Doctors recommend making a trip to the dentist every six months for a complete check-up.
Despite being one of the most important factors of well-being, oral health is often subject to several myths. Read on to know more about these myths and their respective facts.
In an interaction with Times Now Digital, Dr Mohender Narula, Founder and Chairman, MyDentalPlan Healthcare, shared the five important truths about oral health.
- Most people are aware of the benefits of brushing their teeth and are habitual to brushing twice a day. However, that is not adequate. Oral hygiene cannot be achieved without flossing. Over 40 per cent of tooth surfaces are lost when people fail to floss, which is why dentists always recommend flossing.
- It is very important to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste first thing in the morning and also before going to bed. This will greatly reduce your risk of tooth decay over the years.
- Soda (soft drinks), about 3 cups a day increase the risk of tooth decay, tooth loss, and decayed fillings by 62 per cent.
- People who smoke, chew tobacco or drink alcohol are more likely to develop tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
- The biting surfaces of the teeth and the surfaces between them are the most prone to decay. This is because plaque and food can become trapped in these places. This can occur anywhere on the tooth.
But that is not where it ends, the expert went on to list the five common myths and the respective facts that people need to know.
Myth 1: Most people believe that healthy teeth are white.
Fact: The truth is that whiter teeth are not necessarily healthier. The tooth enamel is white in colour and the dentin (inner part of the tooth) is yellowish, if your enamel is thinner or has eroded due to some reason, your teeth will look yellowish without being stained. By getting the teeth whitened, the cause of discolouration may not be addressed. Therefore whenever one notices that their teeth are losing their shine, they should speak to their dentist about the cause. They should look at addressing the cause before getting it polished.
Myth 2: Charcoal toothpaste is better than regular toothpaste.
Fact: Charcoal toothpaste is the new fad. These toothpaste are being marketed as a good way to get whiter teeth. In reality, these kinds of toothpaste work against teeth by absorbing the protective agents meant to keep them healthy and strong.
Myth 3: Children do not need to brush their baby teeth
Fact: Children should begin brushing their teeth twice per day as soon as the teeth start to erupt. Tooth decay in children can cause long-term health consequences. In fact, parents should also make sure that babies who do not have teeth yet don’t retain food materials and sugar in their mouths while sleeping.
