Dental hygiene is extremely important.  We need to keep our teeth looking their best.  If we have a beautiful smile, it can open many doors for us.  It captures a person’s attention.  However, if we don’t take care of our teeth as we should, we will scare everyone around us.  Think about, how many times have you met someone for a few seconds and the first thing you noticed was their smile.

We know we should go to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning, brush our teeth after every meal and floss.  But is that all there is to dental health?  There are certain things we believe we know about dental health and follow them religiously.  However they are actually just myths and could be harming us more than we know:

• Fluoride if ingested after a while can actually lead to fluoride toxicity.  This happens more in kids than adults.  When purchasing toothpaste for kids make sure it is safe for them.
• Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months or if the bristles show wear.  But did you know that you should also replace it after you have had a cold, flu or any other viral infection.  When you are ill, microbes implant themselves onto the toothbrush which will lead to re-infection.
• Caps are placed on toothbrushes with the intention of keeping them clean and avoiding any germs to attach themselves to it.  However, what caps really do is entrap moisture which will favor bacterial growth causing you to get sick.
• Mouthwash is great but if it has alcohol it will dry out your mouth and an hour later, you have bad breath again.
• The best toothbrush is an electric toothbrush.  It works harder at cleaning your teeth.
• Bleaching your tooth often will thin the enamel and your teeth will look translucent instead of white.

Most likely these are things that we have done for a very long time.   Habits may be hard to break but these are habits we need to put an end to and quickly.  Now there are also secrets our dentists keep to themselves and most likely because if we know about them we might not go there again.

• They are not equipped with the latest technology so they are not able to help you as well as they could.   For instance, digital x-rays use less radiation and are easier to read.  Many offices do not have this equipment because it is expensive however your teeth are worth it.
• Mercury is still used by many dentists and it’s toxic.  They use it because the ADA and the FDA has no problems with the mercury fillings.  Interesting things is if you ask a dentist outside of his office, they will tell you they would not put mercury fillings in their mouth or their loved ones.  So if this is the case, then why put it in your mouth?
• Many dentists are not as educated as they should be in their field.  Things have changed a lot and there are those that do not continue their education.  An experienced dentist is always good as long as they continue their education and have learned the latest techniques making your experience a good one.
• Not all cosmetic dentists know what they are doing.  They may offer you the chance of having a great smile but are you sure they can deliver.  Make sure to ask questions regarding their training, what types of veneers they use and ask to see them. 

When choosing a dentist do make sure to do some research.  Ask friends and family for referrals.  There are dentists out there that know what they are doing and can give you the attention your mouth needs.  Remember, keeping your teeth and gums healthy can prevent a lot of illnesses.