Your teeth cleaning routine can either make or break your oral health goals. As such, following the right procedure is essential to prevent plaque and tartar formation on the teeth. You also need to schedule dental cleaning appointments so the dentist can inspect and remove any plaque on your teeth.

However, the presence of oral hygiene misconceptions always creates confusion. Knowing how to separate the facts from falsehoods can help you make informed choices that will keep your oral system healthy. This post will debunk some common myths.

You Shouldn't Floss Bleeding Gums

Generally, you are supposed to floss once each day, a rule that you shouldn't ignore even when you have bleeding gums. Unfortunately, some people believe the myth that one cannot floss when their gums are bleeding. 

Instead, they should wait until they heal before flossing again. However, this isn't true. When you floss often, the gums will recover soon, so keep cleaning them to eliminate plaque. The more you floss, the less painful the gums will be.

You Should Brush and Floss Before Dental Appointments

Some people like to brush and floss right before they visit a dentist to hide the fact that they haven't taken care of their teeth. But it's impossible to deceive a dentist as they are experienced in their job. 

No matter what you do, they will notice that you haven't been adhering to the oral care routine. The best thing to do is be honest about your level of oral hygiene so the dentist can provide guidelines to help improve your oral care.

You Should Use a Hard-Bristled Brush for Efficient Teeth Cleaning

One of the essential aspects of teeth cleaning is the toothbrush you use. Your oral hygiene efforts won't be fruitful if it isn't ideal. Unfortunately, some people make the mistake of scrubbing their teeth with a hard-bristled brush, thinking that it will clean the teeth faster, but that's not the case. This will damage the teeth's protective layer, the enamel. So, consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum recession and enamel wear.

You Shouldn't Worry If Your Teeth Are White

The fact that you have pearly white teeth doesn't mean that you shouldn't be concerned about oral hygiene. Besides, all white teeth aren't necessarily healthy. Teeth come in numerous shades, so if you are lucky to get white teeth, ensure you take good care of them. They can quickly get stained if you don't prioritize professional teeth cleaning as recommended.

Contact a dental clinic like Midtown Family Dentistry to learn more.