Brushing your teeth is one of the simplest daily habits, yet it’s surrounded by myths that could be harming your oral health more than helping it. From how often you should brush to the type of toothpaste you use, misconceptions abound and can lead to cavities, gum disease, or even enamel damage.
In this guide, we’ll separate fact from fiction, tackling common myths about brushing to help you achieve a healthier, brighter smile. Whether you’ve been brushing the wrong way or simply want to up your oral care game, it’s time to set the record straight!
Let’s decode some myths:
Myth: Brushing twice ensures oral health!!
Fact: Once or Twice or Thrice… It’s the way you brush ensures your oral health
Myth: Oral health depends on toothpaste you choose!!
Fact: Toothpastes are kind of abrasives. They may temporarily make you get rid of sensitivity. But the way you use them is more important than the way you select them.
Myth: Brushing for a long time improves oral health!!
Fact: Long exposure to abrasives make your teeth weaker. Learn the best technique for brushing to get it effective.
Myth: Brushing harder makes teeth cleaner!!
Fact: Again I affirm, toothpastes are kind of abrasives.. Using them harder makes your teeth weaker!!
Myth: Hard bristle toothbrushes are more effective!!
Fact: Brushing too hard damages your teeth and gums, leading to enamel wear and receding gums. Soft bristled toothbrush is the best choice!!
Myth: Brushing helps in teeth whitening!!
Fact: Teeth whitening is a dental clinical procedure. It enhances aesthetics. Brushing is to maintain oral health. Kindly differentiate!!
Myth: Brush your teeth after every meal!!
Fact: Long term exposure to abrasives make your teeth’s enamel wear off!!
To burst these myths the knowledge about proper brushing technique aids in action,
Brushing made right with Modified Bass Technique:
1.Place bristles along the gumline at a 45° angle. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gumline
2.Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces of 2-3 teeth using a vibrating back, forth & rolling motion. Move brush to the next group of 2-3 teeth and repeat.
3.Maintain a 45° angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gumline. Gently brush using back, forth & rolling motion along all of the inner tooth surfaces.
4.Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up & down strokes using the front half of the brush.
5.Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth & use a gentle back & forth scrubbing motion. Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odour-producing bacteria.