Are you taking care of your teeth the right way?

When it comes to dental care, there are many common misconceptions out there. Your entire life you have probably been told certain things about what’s bad for your teeth, how to brush them properly and much more.

Here are just a few examples of teeth brushing myths…

You should brush your teeth after every meal. Sugar will rot your teeth. Whitening your teeth might actually hurt them more than it helps.

But which of these myths are true and which are completely false?

In this article, you will find out the truth about 7 common teeth brushing myths you’ve probably been hearing your entire life. Plus, you will find out what to do instead. This way, you can ensure you are keeping your teeth healthy instead of accidentally harming them.

Myth #1: Tooth Whitening Weakens Your Teeth

The verdict: false!

Are you afraid to whiten your teeth?

The common belief is that teeth whiteners will weaken your enamel. Enamel is the layer just underneath the tooth’s surface that gives teeth their smooth, glossy appearance.

While some teeth whiteners are better quality than others, there is no definitive proof that they actually weaken your enamel.

In fact, professional teeth whitening is very safe. If you are interested in professional teeth whitening, click here to learn more about this cosmetic dentistry procedure.

While teeth whitening does not weaken your enamel, you’ll be surprised by what does. Read myth #2 to find out now.

Myth #2: You Should Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal

The verdict: false!

Yes, it is important to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis. But did you know there comes a point when you can brush your teeth too much?

Over-brushing is a real problem. Here’s why…

Your mouth is capable of self-cleaning. Between saliva and enamel, your mouth can naturally remove acidity and break down bad bacteria. When you brush too often, you neglect your body its ability to naturally clean your mouth.

In fact, over-brushing can actually lead to weakened enamel, which can be detrimental to your dental health.

So how often should you brush your teeth?

While you don’t need to brush your teeth after every meal, you should definitely brush them every day. For optimal dental health, most dentists recommend brushing two times per day.

Myth #3: You Need a Hard Toothbrush to Clean Your Teeth Thoroughly

The verdict: false!

Have you heard this common dental myth?

Though hard bristle toothbrushes benefit some avid brushers, they can actually do more harm to your teeth than good.

In fact, soft bristle toothbrushes are better suited for children and anyone who has sensitive gums.

Since children’s mouths are still developing and they’re still learning the proper way to brush their teeth, don’t start them with a hard toothbrush. It can cause bleeding and discomfort if used the wrong way.

If you have sensitive gums or gum recession, a hard toothbrush can actually further aggravate the problem. Opt for a soft toothbrush, as it will still get the job done just fine.

Myth #4: Everyone Needs to Get Their Wisdom Teeth Removed Eventually

The verdict: false!

Have you been told about the horrors of wisdom teeth removal?

Everyone goes through it, right?

Wrong!

Wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars, often grow in at the back of the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have them removed if they cause pain, inflammation or discomfort. Your dentist can also tell by an X-ray whether this will occur later on in life.

But, the truth is…

Some people never need to get their wisdom teeth removed. If the teeth erupt without causing pain or crowding in your mouth, your dentist will probably leave them be. And some people’s wisdom teeth never grow in at all.

Let’s hope you’re one of the lucky ones.

Myth #5: Too Much Sugar Will Rot Your Teeth

The verdict: false!

While sugar isn’t necessarily good for your teeth, it’s not the actual sugar itself that does the damage. The true issue is neglecting to brush regularly.

When left on your teeth for long periods of time, sugar becomes bad bacteria that build plaque. This can cause tooth decay and gum disease, to name a few dental problems.

The moral of the story?

Don’t outwardly blame sugar for your cavities. But be mindful when you eat it in heavy amounts and be sure to brush your teeth regularly. As a rule of thumb, dentists usually recommend brushing two times per day.

Myth #6: You Need to Avoid the Dentist if You’re Pregnant

The verdict: false!

This antiquated belief is simply untrue.

The myth that pregnant women should avoid the dentist stems from the notion that x-rays and pain medications can cause harm to the developing fetus. While this may be true, the mother-to-be can always opt out of undergoing x-rays or receiving pain medication.

In fact, research shows that local anesthetics are relatively safe for pregnant patients. That said, you should always let your dentist know if you’re expecting so they can make an informed decision about your dental care.

Pregnant or not, you should visit the dentist If you experience pain or inflammation in your mouth. This could be a sign of a more serious problem that could affect the mother and her baby.

Myth #7: You Should See Your Dentist on a Regular Basis

The verdict: true!

While myths 1 through 6 are completely FALSE, this myth is 100 percent TRUE.

When you visit your dentist on a regular basis, you ensure that your teeth and mouth are in good health. Plus, your dentist will give you a thorough cleaning using professional tools and products. This cleaning will leave your teeth cleaner, whiter and healthier than your at-home routine.

If you suffer from periodontal disease, it’s especially important to receive professional teeth cleanings. This way, your dentist can get into all the tiny pockets and crevices that your toothbrush can’t reach.

So, how often should you see your dentist?

It depends on your oral health.

If your teeth are healthy, it’s typically recommended to visit the dentist every 6 to 12 months.

But if you are experiencing severe tooth decay, gum disease, or if you are at risk of a serious tooth-related condition like periodontal disease, your dentist will likely ask you to visit more often.

Are YOU due for your routine dental visit?

Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment Now

Is it time for your next dental appointment?

Look no further than Derek J. Chang, DDS, Family Dentistry located in Leander, Texas. This family-friendly dental office offers a broad range of dental services to help you keep your teeth healthy in the long run.

To schedule your next dental appointment now, call Derek J. Chang, DDS, Family Dentistry at (361) 992-7631.

Comprehensive Dental Services Available at Derek J. Chang, DDS, Family Dentistry

• Regular teeth cleanings and checkups
• Fillings, crowns, and bridges
• Oral cancer screenings
• Wisdom teeth removal
• Periodontal services
• Root canal therapy
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Teeth whitening
• Orthodontics

And much, much more!

Have a dental question? Call Derek J. Chang, DDS, Family Dentistry now at (361) 992-7631.

Here’s How Astronauts Clean Their Teeth In Outer Space!

Becoming an astronaut: it’s a childhood dream for many, but only a handful of the very best and brightest ever make it into space. At any given time, there are less than a dozen people in Space.

However, once you’ve made it out of the stratosphere, that’s not the end of the story.

Up in Space, astronauts have to live just like the rest of us. The only difference is that they don’t have gravity to fall back on.

Since everything is literally turned on its head while you are floating about, even the tiniest of everyday tasks become a challenge that needs to be solved.

Astronauts need to stay clean, but how they go about that is a lot different to the way we do things here on Earth. Even brushing your teeth in space is turned into an incredibly precise process- so let’s take a look at how astronauts do it!

The first thing that they need to think about is water. When you’re up in space, you cannot just turn on a faucet, since the water droplets would fly everywhere.

Moreover, every resource is incredibly valuable when inside a space station, and water is the essential commodity for survival after air.

For that reason, every drop of water is treated like solid gold, and none of it is wasted.

Astronauts get around the problem of zero-gravity by drinking water from bags with a straw. They have to carefully use a sip of this water to moisten their toothbrush, and then suck up any excess to stop the drops floating away.

Just like that episode of The Simpsons, any floating debris could “clog the instruments,” so it’s vital that the astronauts don’t leave water floating about around them. It might only take you a second to moisten your toothbrush here on Earth, but you can’t accept anything for granted when you’re up in space!

As for the toothbrushes themselves, we’re sad to say that there’s no such thing as a space-age toothbrush- even outer space adventurers use the same sort of toothbrushes as you or I do. The toothpaste tube is a different matter, altogether.

You couldn’t just leave the cap on the sink while you squirt the paste onto your brush since it would just float away, and you’d have to chase after it. Instead, only toothpaste tubes with an attached cap are allowed in space. While astronauts are free to choose their preferred brand of toothpaste, NASA has created their own, foamless blend that’s easier to ingest, and which produces less waste. It has the imaginative name “NASAdent,” and most astronauts choose this option because it helps them to keep their water consumption down.

Once they’ve finally got the toothpaste onto their brush and captured any stray drops of water, astronauts then brush their teeth, as usual, making sure to clean the whole surface of their teeth. They then take a sip of water to wash the pastedown, rinse off their brushes with one more sip and then suck the water up off them.

Their toothbrush is then stored carefully in their hygiene kits, ready for next time. So next time you go to brush your teeth, be thankful you have a more comfortable job of it than them- now there’s no excuse not to keep your teeth nice and clean!

Can Poor Oral Health Lead To Other More Serious Health Problems?

Generally, most everyone is aware that regular brushing and flossing is the key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

However, what you might not know, is some recent studies suggest there now may be a direct link between poor oral hygiene and a whole host of other health issues, namely heart disease.

If you have ever wondered or are concerned about the connection between your oral health and your heart health, then read on.

We’ll do our best to clear up the subject as well as give you some pointers on how you can keep both your mouth and your heart health in tip-top shape.

The Theory of How Oral Health and Heart Disease Are Connected

First, let’s look at the theory of how oral health and heart disease may be connected.

On the surface, it might seem strange to link the two, since your heart is located quite a distance away from your mouth. However, the key to this theory lies in your bloodstream.

If you don’t keep your mouth clean and healthy,  over time a significant amount of bacteria will start to build up in and around your teeth and gums.

If left unchecked, these bacteria can work their way into your bloodstream. In fact, those who don’t take care of their oral health often develop gum problems, giving these bacteria the perfect opportunity to get into your blood and spread through the rest of your body.

Ultimately, everything in your bloodstream works its way back to one place: The Heart!

There, the bacteria can attach themselves to any weak or damaged tissue, and cause inflammation or infection. Any heart infections can quickly develop into much more severe issues, so you certainly want to avoid these wherever possible.

What’s more, this could also lead to clogged arteries or even strokes, making this a very worrying trend indeed.

If this theory is correct, people may be putting themselves at a much higher risk of heart disease by not taking care of their teeth and gums.

Unfortunately, though, things aren’t quite as simple as that.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Health

For many years now, doctors and scientists have been trying to determine whether there is a direct or indirect link between oral hygiene and heart disease.

There does seem to be some connection, but how much remains to be revealed in the scientific and clinical literature.

Roughly six years ago, the American Heart Association looked at all the available evidence available at the time and concluded there wasn’t enough to definitively prove a link between poor oral and heart disease.

That said, they also noted that the existing evidence doesn’t disprove a link either.

While there’s not a link between actually treating gum disease and lowering the risk of heart disease, it could well be that the underlying issues are indeed connected.

If we look at things a bit closer, though, we see that there’s a lot of research that does show that periodontitis (the medical term for gum disease) does tend to put you at higher risk of multiple medical problems, including cardiovascular disease.

In particular, those suffering from periodontitis tend to have thicker blood vessels in their neck, caused by inflammation. These blood vessels feed directly into the gums, so it would be fair to conclude that the two are linked.

Thicker blood vessels mean that it’s much harder for your blood to flow properly. Since all your veins and arteries are ultimately connected, a blockage even in one place can have a significant effect on your whole circulatory system- so this inflammation will end up having an impact on your heart, too.

Another possible connection lies in the fact that people with diabetes tend to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, too.

This point is agreed on by everyone – those with diabetes can improve their condition via regular teeth cleaning.

That’s not to say that it will eliminate all risk, but it still shows that if you keep your mouth clean and healthy, you could well be helping your heart, too.

While there’s not enough evidence right now to definitively say that poor oral hygiene puts you at higher risk of heart disease, there does seem to be a link between these two conditions.

Take Treating Gum Disease and Prevention Seriously

In particular, those who don’t take gum disease seriously, don’t have it diagnosed, and take steps to heal reverse the problem, are putting themselves at more risk than those who keep their teeth and gums beautiful and healthy.

The problem with this is that a lot of people with gum disease don’t even realize that they have it- and therefore put off visiting the dentist for as long as possible. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the different symptoms of gum disease, so you can ensure you get it treated should you develop it.

The most obvious symptom of periodontitis is inflammation of the gums. Just how inflamed your gums become can vary depending on the type of infection, but generally, they will become red, swollen, and sore to the touch.

If your gums constantly ache, or they only hurt when you eat, either sign, may point to an underlying problem. Another worrying sign is if your gums start bleeding, especially when you eat or brush your teeth.

Don’t just shrug off these symptoms as common. After all, you wouldn’t ignore any other part of your body started bleeding for no reason.

If you spot either of these signs, you should immediately make an appointment with your dentist to get the problem checked.

Systemic Bad Breath May Point To A Deeper Underlying Health Issue – Ignore At Your Own Risk

Another sign of gum disease and one that many people miss is systemic bad breath, or always having a bad taste in your mouth.

This is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth – and as with any living organism, those bacteria excrete waste after they’ve eaten.

This fact alone should be enough to have you reaching for the mouthwash, but again, make sure you visit the dentist to tackle the cause of the issue.

While we may not be able to definitively say that dental problems can lead to trouble with your heart, the evidence is enough to convince a lot of people- we included.

In our opinion, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health, so you should do all you can to keep your mouth nice and clean.

After all, ignored or untreated dental problems can cause a whole heap of other health issues. Why take the risk, especially if they could wind up having an impact on your heart, too?

Instead of just letting things slide, and allowing bacteria to turn your mouth into their private party, make sure you brush and floss twice a day at a minimum and regularly schedule check-ups with your dentist.

Your whole body will thank you in the long run! 🙂

Summer is quickly drawing to a close. What that means for some families is back to school and back to sports!

Lets use August’s Smile Blog to talk about protecting your teeth and your kids teeth during sports activity!

Did you know that 5 Million teeth are injured or knocked out every year! This leads to about 500 million dollars a year spent on replacement or fixes. About 40% of these are sports related! Continue reading →

Its summer! Time for the kids to relax, swim, and generally relax. For teenagers and young adults, summer is a great time to take care of their wisdom teeth. My mom was the original person who told me that my wisdom teeth coming in does NOT actually impart any wisdom on me or mean that I was getting any wiser… thanks mom. Regardless, wisdom teeth can cause a whole host of issues and we’ll discuss the ins and outs of wisdom teeth here.

Continue reading →

How cool is it that we can see dental hygiene topics trending on Social Media? From coconut oil pulling to charcoal tooth pastes, at least oral health care is on people’s minds.

The idea behind oil pulling is to swish 1 tsp of coconut oil for 20 minutes and it allegedly draws toxins out of your mouth. Seems like an awful long time! It only takes 2 minutes to floss (we’ll talk about that more in a second). At this time I see no harm in doing this, but the benefits may or may not be as advertised. Continue reading →