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Common Myths about Dental Health

There are some interesting myths about dental care flying around, and we definitely hear about quite a few here at Leeds City Dentalcare so we just thought we put the record straight on a few of them.

White Teeth Are Healthier Than Discoloured Teeth

One really common myth is that white teeth are healthier than teeth that look yellow or discoloured. In fact tooth colour has nothing to do with their health, and teeth that are naturally yellow can be healthier than teeth that look naturally white. It’s all down to how well you look after your teeth, as regular dental care through check-ups with Dr David Brown or another of our dentists, combined with regular visits to our hygienist are essential. It’s also important to brush your teeth twice a day and to floss once a day.

Even so teeth naturally darken as you age, and although avoiding certain foods and drinks that are particularly highly coloured such as tea, coffee and red wine and curries or tomato-based sauces will help keep them whiter for longer, you may find you have perfectly healthy teeth that are darker than you’d like. Luckily a healthy mouth is likely to be the perfect candidate for teeth whitening, so if you’d prefer your teeth look whiter then why not ask Leeds City Dentalcare if this treatment will work well for you?

Avoiding Sweets, Cakes and Fizzy Drinks and Chocolate Will Keep My Teeth Healthy

While it’s true that these foods can be high in sugar, and if eaten in excess will be bad for your teeth and general health, there are also lots of other foods that are regarded as being healthy that can cause tooth decay. For instance dried fruit is considered to be very healthy, but it can be pretty high in sugar, and even worse has a tendency to stick to your teeth increasing the damage. Foods such as fruit juice and honey are high in natural sugars, and fruit juice can be quite acidic and may contribute towards tooth erosion. If you do want to enjoy any of these foods then it’s best to limit the amount you eat, to consume them as part of a meal and to make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day to remove any pieces that may be stuck in between your teeth.

There’s No Need to Brush Milk Teeth

Milk teeth may be replaced within a few short years but is still essential to look after them properly and to make sure they are brushed twice a day and flossed once a day. Milk teeth have several important functions as they help children learn to speak clearly and properly, and to eat a varied diet. They also ensure the adult teeth come through in the correct position so it’s important they aren’t lost too early. Getting children into the habit of cleaning their teeth properly early on in life will help set them on the path to look after their adult teeth properly, something that is vital if they are to enjoy lifelong oral health.

These are just a few of the common myths surrounding dental care. If you are ever unsure of any facts about oral health then please do ask our dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare for advice. No question is too small or too trivial!

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