04 Jan Common Misconceptions About Dental Health
Many people have their own home remedies and misconceptions about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This applies to all areas of health, especially when it comes to oral health. In fact, there are some very common misconceptions about dental health that many people live their entire lives believing. Some are mostly harmless while others can actually lead to poor dental health if not corrected by a dentist.
Let’s clear up three of these common dental misconceptions now: [pullquote]People with poor dental health need to be aware that their oral health plays a role in the well-being of the rest of their body as well.[/pullquote]
Proper Brushing Alone Does Not Equal Fresh Breath: Of course, brushing your teeth is one of the most important staples of proper dental health. However, while brushing helps kill bacteria and freshens your breath, it is sometimes not quite enough to knock all odors out. In fact, a good brushing doesn’t stand much of a chance against certain types of medicines or sulfur-producing foods.
My Teeth Have Nothing to Do With the Health of the Rest of My Body: People with poor dental health need to be aware that their oral health plays a role in the well-being of the rest of their body as well. Think about it this way: the digestion process starts in the mouth as you chew your food. The better shape your teeth are in, the better you chew; the better you chew, the more smoothly the digestion process goes.
Also, your mouth is one of the dirtiest parts of your body by nature. The bacteria that reside there can easily enter your bloodstream whenever you get the slightest nick or cut to your gums. Recent studies suggest that simple gum infections can potentially be partly responsible for strokes, diabetes, and even heart attacks.
Electric Toothbrushes are No Big Deal: Unless you have super-powered joints in your hands and wrists, using a manual brush isn’t as effective as an electric toothbrush. Electric brushes rotate in three directions, ensuring a more thorough cleaning. Also, electric brushes are much easier on your gums when used as advised by your dentist.
As you can see, it is very important to know the facts about dental health. If you have any questions, contact the office of Drs. Bonner and Huriega at 210-616-0858 today.