Debunking Dental Myths

Many people long for a radiant smile. But healthy, well-cared-for teeth are important not just for aes-thetic reasons, but also for our overall health. The key is regular brushing and an annual check-up at the dentist. Yet, there are plenty of myths circulating about oral hygiene. Nicola Blidschun, dental expert at ERGO Health Insurance, clears up some of the most common misconceptions.

Bad teeth are inherited

We often hear, whether it’s about hair loss or cellulite: “It’s down to genetics.” And, in principle, the same goes for teeth. “Susceptibility to tooth decay or gum disease does have a hereditary compo-nent,” explains Nicola Blidschun. However, unlike hereditary hair loss, a genetic predisposition doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get cavities. Blidschun advises: “With good oral care and regular check-ups, people can prevent these conditions from developing.” So, if bad teeth run in your fami-ly, you should be extra diligent with your dental hygiene. Blidschun continues: “In these cases, daily cleaning between the teeth with dental floss or interdental brushes is particularly important. Profes-sional dental cleans, which remove harmful bacteria from hard-to-reach areas, are also highly rec-ommended for those at greater risk.”

Eating apples can replace brushing your teeth

Apples are considered very healthy because they contain lots of vitamins and minerals. “But they are no substitute for brushing your teeth,” warns Blidschun. “Chewing does stimulate saliva produc-tion and provides some self-cleaning, but bacteria—especially between the teeth—remain unaffect-ed and can only be removed by thorough cleaning.” The acid and natural sugars in apples can also weaken tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

The harder you brush, the better

The saying “more is more” doesn’t apply to how hard you brush your teeth. “In fact, less is often more. Brushing too vigorously can damage the protective enamel,” says Blidschun. This can make teeth more sensitive. “It’s important to use the right amount of pressure when brushing,” she adds. “Many electric toothbrushes now have warning lights if you press too hard. The key to removing bacteria is using the correct technique, rather than excessive force.”

Milk teeth don’t need care because they fall out anyway

Baby teeth usually start to become wobbly and fall out from around the age of six. But does that mean dental care is unnecessary until then? “Absolutely not,” says Blidschun. “If young children develop tooth decay, it can have negative effects on the adult teeth coming through.” Parents should start looking after their child’s teeth as soon as the first milk tooth appears. That means brushing twice a day from the very first tooth. “Let children brush themselves as soon as they’re able, even if it’s just playfully—but parents need to supervise and go over the teeth again until at least Year 3,” recommends Blidschun.

Is an electric toothbrush always better than a manual one?

Whether an electric toothbrush cleans better than a manual one depends largely on technique. “Regardless of the model or method, consistency is the most important factor in oral hygiene,” adds Blidschun.