Truth or Myth – Dental Edition

When it comes to your teeth, not everything you hear is true. In this blog, we’re busting some of the most common dental myths!

#1: “Cheese is good for your teeth”

TRUE! The protein in cheese, called casein, coats your teeth with a protective film that helps to fight off acid that would normally attack tooth enamel¹! It also helps to increase your mouth’s saliva production which washes away sugar, bacteria and acid! So, next time you’re out for dinner think about choosing a cheeseboard for pudding!

 

#2: “It’s better to graze on sweets all day, than eat them all at once”

FALSE! Snacking on sugar throughout the day is worse for your teeth. When you consume sugar it interacts with the bacteria in the plaque on your teeth to produce acid. It is this acid that causes tooth decay².

 

#3: “White wine is better for your teeth than red wine”

FALSE! While red wine is worse for stains, white wine is actually more acidic³, acid leads to enamel erosion over time⁴. Don’t brush your teeth immediately after acidic drinks – try to wait an hour⁵.

 

#4: “You should rinse your mouth after brushing”

FALSE! It might feel natural to rinse with water after brushing, but doing so dilutes the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left behind, reducing its preventative effects⁶!

 

r

FALSE!: You may not know but while toothbrushing is the most effective way to clean your teeth, it still only cleans around 60% of your teeth! Interdentral brushes or floss are necessary to get to those bits your toothbrush can’t reach⁷.

 

Final Thoughts

Don’t let old habits or outdated advice stand in the way of a healthy smile. By brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth daily, and skipping the rinse after brushing, you can protect your teeth and gums for the long term.

DenTek makes it easy with a range of floss picks[link], interdental brushes[link], and emergency dental care kits, all designed to support your smile with confidence.

References

1. https://www.dentalassociates.com/blog/cheese-good-your-teeth
2. https://www.actiononsugar.org/sugar-and-health/sugars-and-tooth-decay/
3. https://www.drinksurely.com/a/blog/is-wine-acidic?srsltid=AfmBOooXMOwUWMBFakEHjOKHdC5AYoILEaFgPaksiDDGxS6C2opZFOFL
4. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-erosion
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/brushing-your-teeth/faq-20058193
6. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/
7. https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/cleaning-between-teeth-the-secret-behind-a-truly-healthy-smile