dentist oakland smiling womanThere are so many things out there that people might have told you before regarding your oral health and the dentist in Oakland, but in fact, they are myths. You should be aware of these myths and make sure to fix them when the time comes. This is because many of the things that you’ve heard are probably old wives tales and oral hygiene is something that not only affects your teeth, gums and mouth as a whole but it can affect your overall health. Here are some myths from a cosmetic dentist in Oakland that you should keep in mind when it comes to your oral health.

Oral Hygiene Only Affects Your Teeth

This is not true at all. It can affect the rest of your mouth, along with the rest of your body. Seeing a dentist in Oakland can provide you with an idea of just how much can go wrong if you’re not diligent with the oral care that you do at home and in the office. Heart problems are just one of the many serious things that can happen when it comes to not having the right oral hygiene.

Not Eating Sweets Can Make Your Teeth Healthier

Foods that have sugar and carbohydrates in them will leave these sugars behind until the mouth is washed out or rinsed. The bacteria from these sugars can then multiply if left alone. However, any type of food that is put in your mouth can do the same thing and some foods are not even sweets that are on the list of foods that are bad for your teeth. These food particles turn into acid and then this is where the bacteria will breed. Make sure to rinse or brush your teeth after each meal. Even swishing water around in your mouth can be beneficial.

Having Teeth Extracted is Painful

A dentist in Oakland sees a lot of people on a day to day basis for teeth extraction and a lot of them are scared and worried about the process. These people were stressed due to the fear that they had of the pain that they think it will cause. However, since technology has come a long way in recent years, these types of dental procedures are okay and you do not have to be worried.

The More You Brush, The Healthier Your Teeth Are

This is a big myth when it comes to oral hygiene. However, excessive brushing can actually harm your teeth more than help them. This is because you’re actually brushing the enamel (heavy outer coating) that protects your teeth. Without the enamel, your teeth are left to fend for themselves which makes them more easily attacked by bacteria that is left in the mouth. Brushing three or less times a day should be enough, along with regular flossing and rinsing using water after each meal. You might have to see that dentist in Oakland more if you brush much more than three times a day.