Every visit to the dentist earns you a new lesson on oral health. And yet a lot of false information about oral health is passed around in the media, among friends and through online advice forums. Here are the realities behind a few common myths and knowing them could make for better oral healthcare in the future.

Myth: Flossing Isn't Important

Dentists have lectured patients about flossing so much over the years that a push back began that said flossing wasn't important to your daily oral health routine. A toothbrush simply can't provide adequate cleaning to the area between your teeth. So that area can hold food particles and bacterial plaque buildup until your next deep cleaning at the dentist. And leaving that bacteria sit for that long can eventually lead to gum disease or dental infections.

Floss is the only way to thoroughly clean those between teeth spaces. If you don't feel coordinated enough to use the long floss string, invest in a plastic handled flosser that allows you more control. Regardless of the type of floss you use, you want to work in a slow sawing motion rather than simply shoving the floss up and down. The shoving can squash all of the food and bacteria at the bottom and also risks causing damage to your gums.

Myth: All Mouthwashes are the Same

Mouthwash certainly makes your breath smell good, but does it provide any real oral health benefits? According to the American Dental Association, the function of the mouthwash largely depends on its formula design. If the formula contains fluoride, the mouthwash can help protect your tooth enamel from damage. Antiseptic mouthwashes can rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that leads to disease and infection.

But mouthwash manufacturers can make these claims on the label without backing them up. That's why it's important to look for over-the-counter products that bear the ADA seal of approval, which means the product's claim has been scientifically proven. If a mouthwash is missing this seal, then assume it merely provides the cosmetic service of freshening your breath.

Myth: Hard, Frequent Brushing Helps Oral Health

If you're trying to clean the dirt off a wall, you use hard, fast brush strokes as a way to get the dirt off faster. Don't apply that same idea to your teeth if you'd like to keep healthy enamel. Use a soft toothbrush and slow rotating motions when brushing your teeth to fill up the two minute brush time that's entered public knowledge.

You also don't need to brush three or four times a day. Twice a day is usually sufficient unless you consume a lot of acidic foods such as soda or coffee. Do a quick but gentle surface brush after consuming an acidic food to keep it from wearing away your enamel.

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