In our Dental Clinic in Murcia Like any dentist, we often encounter many patients who continue to believe in a multitude of myths about dental health.
No one really knows where these beliefs come from, but their lack of scientific evidence has not been a problem for their propagation and we professionals have to deal with them on a daily basis. In fact, they seem to be more deeply rooted in the collective subconscious than the actual advice offered in dental clinics around the world.
Therefore, in Vélez and Lozano We have set out to wipe out several of them once and for all. That's how optimistic we are. Or at least we will try to do so, and we will have done our bit.
In order to do so, we will break down and disprove several of the most common common myths in the oral health world:
1. Flossing after brushing
On the basis that the flossing is used far less than it should beIt is a fundamental tool in daily hygiene to remove plaque and get rid of bacteria, yet when we are encouraged to incorporate it into our hygiene routine more or less frequently, we tend to assume that the correct order is to use it after the toothbrush, out of a strange belief that this way we 'go over'.
In reality, it is much more efficient to do so before brushing.
2. Dental floss and only dental floss
Related to the previous myth, although they are not as well known or popular among patients, there are many ancillary techniques to brushing that are as or more effective than flossing or dental floss. Some of them, to give just a few examples, are the interdental brushes or the irrigatorwhich, for those who don't know, is a device that emits a jet of water so that it passes between your teeth and gums. Although, in the end, as we always say, your dentist or hygienist will be best placed to advise you on the one that best suits you and your needs.
3. Annual dental cleaning
There's no way around it: you have to have your teeth cleaned once a year, right? Actually, this arbitrary frequency is implanted in the collective subconscious because it is a sort of 'average', but some people need to have their teeth cleaned once a year. two or three dental cleanings annually and for other patients, a visit every two years will be sufficient. Moreover, this may be a changing need depending on whether a problem or pathology arises or if you are in the middle of some kind of treatment.
We insist, once again: we have to listen to our hygienist.
4. Go to the dentist only when you are in pain
This is one of the most dangerous myths about oral health that has spread among patients: if it doesn't hurt, everything is perfect. In reality, the The vast majority of caries are asymptomatic.as explained in this video here:
It is therefore advisable, in contrast to hygiene, have an annual check-up even if we do not notice any discomfort. Many people do not do it out of ignorance and others out of fear, but a preventive solution is more effective, less invasive and cheaper, so this argument does not carry much weight.
5. Harmful X-rays
This is a more widespread myth about health in general. We tend to think that X-rays are highly detrimental to our body, but nowadays they are not so harmful thanks to digital X-rays. In fact, they are an essential tool for early diagnosis and are of great benefit to the health of the patient. very low impact for the patient if we also use the right protectors, especially if we compare them with traditional X-rays.
If you liked this article, stay tuned to our networks, as we will soon be uploading a video summary of some of the most widespread myths and... maybe there will be a bonus or two!
And, as the title suggests, there will soon be a second part here on our blog.
Author: Zahira Asensio (Dental Hygienist at Vélez & Lozano)
