Glendale Dentist Busts 3 Common Myths About Dentistry

Written by Dr. McKay on Nov 12, 2019

We all want to take care of our smiles properly, but with so much information out there, it can sometimes be confusing on the best way to do this. Our Glendale dentists are here to help! Today we are debunking three commonly held misunderstandings about dentistry. Let’s get started!

Brushing more is always better

Brushing your teeth is good, right? So doesn’t it make sense that brushing even more can only be helpful? Surprisingly, brushing too much can actually cause your dental enamel and oral tissues to wear down prematurely, and leave you at risk of developing further dental damage. It is recommended that patients stick to brushing twice a day—morning and night—unless told otherwise by your dental team.

All toothbrushes are basically the same

There are a number of different types of toothbrushes on the market today, and they aren’t all created equal! First of all, your dental team can help you decide whether a manual or electric brush is right for you. Then, you definitely want to take into account the bristle strength of the brush and the size of the brush head. Using bristles that are too firm can thin enamel, and using a brush head that is too large will prevent you from cleaning the back corners of your smile.

Orthodontic treatment is purely for aesthetics

Improving your dental alignment offers obvious cosmetic benefits, but did you know that it can also improve the health of your smile? When your teeth are properly aligned, and your bite comes together naturally, you are less likely to suffer from bruxism and TMJ disorder. Patients also find that it is much easier to keep their smiles clean when their teeth are straight and evenly aligned.

If you have additional questions about caring for your smile, our Glendale dentists are here to help you!