Right or wrong? Demirdental debunks myths surrounding oral hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. An apple or chewing gum will do the trick if you don't have a toothbrush handy. From red to white, always in a circle. From an early age, we learn wisdom about brushing our teeth. Are these really true or are they just myths that accompany us throughout our lives and may even harm our teeth? Find out:

If you want to clean your teeth thoroughly, you have to scrub properly?

Wrong.

Twice a day, brushing the teeth is essential for oral hygiene. However, there are also people who eagerly take action after every meal, freely following the motto "as often and as firmly as possible for particularly beautiful teeth".

Those who brush too often and too firmly not only scrub away plaque, but also the important enamel. This makes the teeth more sensitive and, in extreme cases, can even make them more susceptible to caries. Electric toothbrushes with pressure control are recommended to brush with the right pressure.

Chewing gum or eating apples replace brushing your teeth?

Wrong.

It is true that chewing gum stimulates saliva production and thus food debris can be better rinsed from the teeth. It has also been scientifically proven that chewing gum neutralizes the acid balance in the mouth. Nevertheless, chewing gum cannot replace tooth brushing.

Apple chewing can get superficial plaque off the teeth and provides the body with vitamin C and minerals, but it never replaces a toothbrush. On the contrary. The acids in apples change the pH of saliva and attack tooth enamel. In addition, apples contain fructose, which allows caries bacteria to thrive.

From red to white and always in circles?

Wrong!

The rhyme is intended to teach even children how to brush their teeth properly: With circular movements from red, i.e. the gums, to white, the teeth. However, if you only brush from the gums to the chewing surface, the bristles will not reach under the gum line. And that's exactly where a lot of bacteria are located.

That's why dentists recommend the so-called bass or shaking technique. Place the toothbrush at a 45° angle to the gumline and brush with shaking movements.

Always brush your teeth directly after eating?

Wrong!

In principle, of course, it makes sense to brush your teeth after eating, but directly after is counterproductive. This is especially true after eating fruit and fruit juices. The acid they contain softens the enamel, a process known as demineralization. Brushing promptly after meals can additionally attack and even damage the enamel.

It is better to rinse the mouth after eating and wait about 30 minutes before brushing. Then the saliva has neutralized the acid in the mouth and the remineralization process is underway.

My gums are healthy because they don't bleed?

Wrong!

It is true that bleeding gums are a warning sign of periodontitis or gingivitis. However, your gums may be inflamed even if they are not bleeding. In that case, the inflammation sits in the gum pockets of the molars and is virtually protected by the tooth. The bristles of the toothbrush do not reach the focus of inflammation, so the gums do not bleed.

In the worst case, the inflammation can even become chronic and eat its way painlessly into the bone.

Careful oral hygiene therefore includes the use of interdental brushes and dental floss to clean the spaces between the teeth. In addition, it is advisable to have the gum pockets checked regularly by a dentist or a prophylaxis assistant.