Busting Common Oral Hygiene Myths: What You Should Really Do

Toothpaste commercials do a good job of emphasizing the importance of daily oral hygiene. However, they often include claims that are best ignored. Here are some of the most popular misconceptions promoted by marketers.

Myth #1: Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal

Dentists agree that brushing your teeth twice a day—morning and evening—is sufficient. However, it is best to avoid brushing immediately after eating, as this can damage the enamel.

When we eat, bacteria in the mouth become active and acidity levels increase. This causes calcium and phosphorus to leach out of the enamel, softening it. Brushing your teeth during this time can scratch the surface of the enamel. It’s best to wait 30-60 minutes after eating, allowing the enamel to recover with the help of saliva minerals.

If you want to freshen your mouth after a meal, try chewing sugarless gum or drinking plain water. You can also use floss to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth.

Myth #2: You should squeeze a strip of toothpaste onto your brush

Adults only need to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to effectively brush their teeth. For children aged 3 to 6 years old, it is recommended to squeeze out a rice-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than 3 years old, a small smear will suffice.

It may not be safe to squeeze a strip of toothpaste onto the brush as advertised if the paste has a high abrasiveness index. Excessive amounts of abrasive particles can damage teeth.

Myth #3: When Brushing, You Should Move the Brush in Different Directions and Press Down More Firmly

You should move the brush strictly in the direction from the gum to the cutting edge of the tooth. Start with several circular massaging movements at the gum, followed by one sweeping motion towards the edge of the tooth. It is inadvisable to brush as shown in commercials by combining the rows of your teeth. Each jaw should be cleaned separately.

Moving the brush in different directions can damage both teeth and gums. Chaotic up-and-down movements can dislodge plaque, pushing it under the gum, which leads to soft tissue inflammation and, subsequently, gingivitis and periodontitis. Brushing horizontally can "erase" the necks of the teeth, making them more sensitive and prone to cervical caries.

Myth #4: Herbal Toothpaste Will Save You from Bleeding Gums, and "Sensitive Teeth" Toothpaste Will Save You from Hypersensitivity

Bleeding gums are caused by inflammation, and tooth hypersensitivity is due to thinning or damaged enamel. Toothpastes can't permanently solve either issue; they only provide temporary relief from unpleasant symptoms.

Gum care toothpastes can reduce itching and bleeding, but don't address the root cause of inflammation—microbial deposits under the gum. Consequently, the inflammation can spread to the ligaments and bone around the tooth roots, leading to a serious condition called periodontitis.

Toothpastes for sensitive teeth can alleviate pain but don't restore damaged enamel.

To effectively address oral health problems, it's essential to visit a dentist.