Have You Heard These Oral Health Myths Making the Rounds? Here’s the Truth

If you are a parent trying to help your child avoid decay, or you have frequent instances of decay as an adult, you might be wondering what is going on. Seeking general dentistry in Nederland, TX can unlock the answers instead of just internet mythology.

MYTH #1 JUICE IS BETTER FOR YOUR TEETH THAN SODA

Many fruit juices contain a large amount of sugar in addition to the acid found naturally in juice, and that added as a preservative. The best drink you can consume for your oral health is plain tap water. Plain tap water usually contains fluoride, and plain water will help restore the pH of your mouth after eating sugary or acidic food.

Even sugar-free drinks, including soda and energy drinks, are high in acid and can still damage your enamel.

MYTH #2 YOU SHOULD BRUSH YOUR TEETH IMMEDIATELY AFTER A MEAL

Depending on what you eat, waiting about 30 minutes after eating before you brush can reduce further damage to your enamel.

Saliva is your mouth’s natural cleaning mechanism and will help eliminate acids and sugars that cause enamel to soften.

MYTH #3 DENTAL VISITS ARE OPTIONAL

Even if you brush and floss your teeth as recommended, you still need to have general dentistry in your local Nederland, TX dental office. Your routine dental exam and dental cleaning are necessary to detect changes in your oral health. Those changes might include decay, wear, and gum disease, all of which are far easier to treat in their early stages. 

Since dental conditions often do not have symptoms until they are advanced, early detection by your trusted dentist is essential to maintaining your oral health and smile.

We always welcome new patients at Nederland Family Dental and look forward to helping your family enjoy healthy smiles.