What’s True and What’s Not

When it comes to your teeth and gums, there are quite a few myths out there that can hurt rather than help your dental care. At Country Club Dental, we want our patients to be aware of bad advice, and we’ll provide you with the truth. Here are some misconceptions we hear from patients:

Brushing Your Teeth Harder Is Better

Brushing your teeth harder doesn’t necessarily mean they will get any cleaner. In fact, brushing your teeth too hard can do more harm than good. Over-brushing can cause your teeth to become more sensitive by wearing down enamel. It can also increase the risk of receding gums. Your best bet is to apply gentle pressure and slow down to make sure your toothbrush reaches all your teeth. A quick test to see if you are brushing too hard? Look to see if the bristles are flat.

Chewing Sugar-Free Gum Is as Good as Brushing

While the American Dental Association says that sugarless gum can help prevent tooth decay, it is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. It has been found to increase saliva flow in the mouth, which helps dilute food and sugar particles. However, it is not a long term solution. Only brushing and flossing can properly clean your teeth, especially in between where gum can’t reach. You can use sugarfree gum after a meal, but stick with a toothbrush to keep your mouth clean and healthy.

If It Doesn’t Hurt, It’s Not a Problem

Unfortunately, we find that some patients only come to us when they experience a painful tooth or other sensation in their mouth. By the time they feel this pain, they may be in the advanced stages of decay, or their tooth is so damaged that it may need to be removed. Often, the early stages of dental problems are not associated with any painful symptoms. That doesn’t mean that something isn’t wrong. Prevention is the key to dental health, and that’s why it’s important to visit your dentist every six months. This helps us stay on top of any problems that we can catch early so they don’t progress into a more damaging problem.

At Country Club Dental, we provide patients in Cameron Park, CA and the surrounding area with the best dental care available. Please call our office at 530-206-0597 to experience a healthy and beautiful smile.