1. Brushing harder is better

Brushing harder is not better for your teeth, in fact brushing too hard can damage your gums and enamel. Adding excessive pressure can cause recession and exposure of sensitive tooth roots. When the inner layer of the tooth becomes exposed, a patient is more susceptible to cavities and tooth sensitivity. It is much better to use a gentler brushing technique and to grab a toothbrush with softer bristles.

2. Baby teeth don’t matter

They may fall out eventually, but your baby teeth do serve a bigger purpose than most are aware of. Baby teeth are holding space for permanent teeth down the road, so that they don’t come in crooked and overcrowded. If a child loses a baby tooth too early, the other teeth have a habit of shifting and filling in that empty space. They also help the face structure of young children to develop properly in early years. Therefore, taking better care of baby teeth can save you a lot of orthodontic trouble down the road.

3. Sugar causes cavities

It is the bacteria in your mouth, not the sugar itself, that causes pesky cavities. This bacteria feeds on sugar from food, so the sweeter your diet the better fed it is. Bacteria then produces an acid, which starts to break down the enamel of your teeth.

Since the sugar itself is not creating cavities, there are preventative measures you can take to put a stop to this process. Brushing and flossing after eating sugary foods will help to prevent cavities. The amount of time your mouth is exposed to this sugar is more impactful than the actual number of sugary snacks you consume. Best practices are drinking lots of water while snacking, avoiding sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time (such as lollipops and hard candies) and being vigilant with dental hygiene.

4. White teeth are healthier

Whiteness does not necessarily mean healthier teeth. Even the starkest white teeth can have underlying dental issues like gum disease or cavities, as color is not a direct indicator of oral health. Everyone’s natural tooth shade varies, and healthy teeth usually fall within the off-white to slightly yellow range. When teeth yellowing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as gum issues, teeth sensitivity or bad breath, this may then be a sign of potential problems. You know what they say, don’t judge a smile by its color!

5. Dental x-rays are dangerous

Dental x-rays are a safe and crucial tool in proper dentistry. While they do emit radiation, the amount is extremely low and unharmful. The lead shield you wear while getting a dental x-ray protects you from any extra radiation exposure. As of today, there is no research or evidence that shows dental x-rays having negative harm on patients, but they do allow dentists to diagnose dental problems early on.

6. Whitening always damages your teeth

If teeth whitening is done correctly, it is completely safe! Consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products, follow the recommended usage instructions and don't use at-home whitening treatments too frequently or incorrectly. Dentists can also use methods to professionally whiten teeth, including bleaching with carbamide peroxide. Temporary teeth sensitivity is common after whitening but is not a result of damage, so don’t be alarmed!

7.  Flossing is unnecessary

It is no secret that most patients take flossing as a recommendation from their dentist, rather than a requirement. But flossing plays a major role in maintaining good oral health by removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and below the gumline, areas that a toothbrush simply cannot reach. This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and even eventual tooth loss.

Flossing can also stimulate the gums, promoting healthy blood flow and preventing gum recession. A bonus rumor being that bleeding gums are normal, which of course is also false! Regular flossing can help this case.

8. Diet sodas are fine for your teeth

Sugar free does not immediately imply smile safe! Diet sodas still have a very high acidity, which can erode at tooth enamel and increase the odds of cavities. The acidity of diet sodas can also increase staining, especially when combined with the dyes in these drinks.

9. Oral health conditions are genetic

Unfortunately, not all your oral health issues can be blamed on genetics. In this case, genetics can be the culprit of some issues, but not most. While genetics can impact tooth development and certain conditions, factors like poor oral hygiene, diet and lifestyle choices play a significant role. Regardless of genetic predispositions, keeping up on good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and seeing a dentist regularly can help prevent tooth loss. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that as of today, there are no genetic tests for the two most common dental diseases, dental caries (tooth decay) and gum disease.

10. Cavities always hurt

You could have a cavity forming right now and have not a clue! In the early stages of cavity formation, there can be no pain at all. Mild sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods can start to occur overtime. As the cavity progresses and reaches deeper into the tooth, pain may then develop. Even at its peak, some people may experience sharp, throbbing pain, while others may have only a minor ache. Always see a dentist if you spot a hole in your tooth or have any other oral concerns, even if it doesn't hurt!

The bottom line: There are many dental myths that need busting, like the idea that brushing harder gives people cleaner teeth or that sugar is the villain behind every cavity. The truth is proper care, gentle brushing and regular checkups are the real keys to keeping teeth in tip-top shape. Sometimes even the best patient can use a reminder to not always believe what they hear when it comes to the dental rumor mill!