Dental care is an integral part of overall healthcare, but it often gets overlooked. There is a lot of misinformation about basic dental care and some of the more complex procedures as well. This causes confusion and creates barriers for people who would benefit from additional dental attention.

Here are six common myths about dental care to dispel, so you can get the healthy smile you deserve.

Tooth Whitening Is Bad for You

Perhaps the most common dental care myth is that tooth whitening is bad for you. According to the Spearwood dental experts at Phoenix Road, tooth whitening is perfectly healthy if you go about it the right way. In other words, you should always get an in-office whitening treatment or a take-home treatment from a licensed professional; it’s the cheap kits with mysterious ingredients you can buy online that can cause problems.

Working with a professional will also ensure you understand the proper after-care that is required, and how to keep your pearly whites shining for as long as possible. 

Dental Implants Look Unnatural

Another myth is that dental implants look unnatural, and you can spot them from a mile away. Once upon a time, this rumor was true. However, technology has come a long way in the past few decades. You likely know someone with dental implants — you just didn’t notice.

Of course, higher-quality dental implants look more natural than the baseline models. Talking to a professional will help you determine which option is best for you. It’s also important to dispel another myth here: that dental implants are only for the elderly. While they aren’t for everyone, it’s a viable option for anyone with a fully-developed jaw and healthy gums.

You Can’t Brush Too Much

Too much of a good thing is not a good thing at all, especially when it comes to brushing your teeth. Brushing too frequently or too aggressively can wear down your gums, causing sensitivity and speeding up gum recession. This issue could lead to the need for gum grafts later on.

Brushing too hard will also wear down the enamel, which protects your teeth. Ideally, you’ll brush and floss three times a day — after each meal. If you struggle with brushing too hard, switch to softer bristles or use a dentist-recommended electric toothbrush for a softer touch.

Invisalign Doesn’t Work

When Invisalign was released 20 years ago, it caused quite a stir. Unfortunately, many people still have the mindset of two decades ago and think that this approach to corrective dentistry doesn’t work. However, Invisalign works quite well for some people and can even be used in complex cases. 

It’s true that Invisalign isn’t for everyone. Those people with extremely worn down or severely displaced teeth will still benefit from traditional braces. Invisalign is an option for those with more minor adjustments who are looking to get a straighter smile and boost their confidence.

Charcoal Toothpaste Is the Best

Charcoal has become a health and wellness fad over the past few years. One of the products that have taken over store shelves and beauty blogs is charcoal toothpaste. 

The intention behind this product is to lift stains and whiten your teeth as a part of your daily dental care routine. However, many brands lack enough fluoride, which is the necessary ingredient in dentist-recommended toothpaste for enamel protection.

Many recognized toothpaste brands have hopped on the trend and produced products that have activated charcoal and adequate fluoride content. Talk to your dentist to see what they recommend. 

You Don’t Need Regular Cleanings

Even if you’re a perfect flosser and have great brushing skills, you still need regular cleaning. There are parts of your mouth that you’ll never be able to reach; consider some of the positions your hygienist puts you in and the tools they need to use. 

Cleaning appointments are also a chance for your dentist to identify other health concerns, like cavities, jawbone abnormalities, and periodontal disease.

Erase these myths from your beliefs about dental care so that you can get the attention and treatment you need for lifelong oral health.