Oral Health

1. Bleeding gums are normal.  
2. If my teeth don’t hurt, they are healthy. 
3. Is it alright to use a mouth rinse every day. 
4. When choosing toothpaste, the higher the fluoride content, the better. 

1. Bleeding gums are normal.
   

   MYTH – Bleeding gums can be caused by brushing too hard or using a toothbrush that is not soft enough. In those situations, bleeding gums are not harmful and can be prevented by changing the way you brush or changing your toothbrush to one with softer bristles.
   
   However, bleeding gums may also suggest that your gums are inflamed. This can develop into periodontitis, which is a condition where the gums get infected. This causes the soft tissue and bone that supports your teeth to be damaged and lead to the loss of teeth. Hence, gum bleeding that does not go away is not normal and should not be ignored.

   
    

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2. If my teeth don’t hurt, they are healthy.
   

   MYTH – Healthy teeth are covered with an outer layer of enamel to protect the nerves inside. Enamel can get broken down by bacteria, which grows due to poor oral hygiene. This leads to nerves being exposed and can cause pain.
   
   However, breaking down of the enamel happens over a period of time and during that time, you may not feel any pain. Thus, not experiencing any pain does not mean that your teeth are healthy. It is always important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent the loss of the enamel layer and to ensure you have healthy teeth. 

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3. Is it alright to use a mouth rinse every day.

   FACT –The use of mouth rinse helps to lessen plaque buildup and decreases the amount of bacteria in your mouth. However, it is important to note that mouth rinse should not be used as the only method to maintain oral hygiene. You should pair your daily mouth rinse with daily brushing. 

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4. When choosing toothpaste, the higher the fluoride content, the better.
   

   MYTH – Fluoride is generally safe and helpful in preventing tooth decay. However, using too much fluoride in children whose teeth are still developing can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that causes a permanent discoloration of the teeth. This is especially a cause of concern in children less than 8 years old as they tend to swallow the toothpaste.
   
   It is advisable for young children who are learning how to brush their teeth to start off with fluoride-free training toothpaste. For children switching over to fluoride containing toothpaste, choose one that has about 1000 parts per million (ppm) units of fluoride and use a pea sized amount when brushing. For most adults, a toothpaste that contains 1350 to 1500 ppm of fluoride is sufficient.

       

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Updated on Dec 2019