Dental care is a vital aspect of personal hygiene. After all, your teeth help you chew and give you a wonderful smile. Keeping your mouth clean seems pretty straightforward, but even the most diligent adherents to oral health have fallen for some frequently repeated misconceptions. We're here to clear up these myths so you can make your dentist proud!

1. Sugar Causes Cavities

You've probably heard this one as a child while sorting through your Halloween candy haul. While sugary candy isn't great for your teeth, the sugar itself is not the direct cause of cavities. The bacteria that likes to feed on the sugar is actually what causes cavities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, destructive oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans combine with sugar to create plaque, which damages your teeth over time and can harden into tartar.

This means it's not just sugary candy that can indirectly lead to cavities. Mouth bacteria also love carbohydrates like bread and pasta. This is why it's so important to clean your teeth after meals!

2. Sugar-Free Soda Is Safer for Your Teeth

Now that you know the dangers of consuming sugar, you may think you're safe drinking sugar-free soft drinks. On the contrary, indulging in this treat can damage your teeth for other reasons. Any soft drink will still contain chemical compounds like citric or phosphoric acid that wear down tooth enamel. The more your enamel erodes, the more likely your teeth will form cavities.

There are other ways your enamel can erode over time. For example, grinding your teeth, biting or chewing hard materials like plastic, and even brushing your teeth too hard can wear down your tooth enamel, leading to more dentist visits. Make sure you're only using your teeth for their correct purpose: eating food!

3. White Teeth Mean a Healthy Mouth

While white teeth are aesthetically pleasing and even look clean, they are not always a sure sign of good oral health. On the contrary, a bright white smile can still be full of cavities while more yellowed or gray teeth can be perfectly healthy. This is why it's important to regularly visit your dentist to know the state of your oral health.

Now that you're armed with knowledge, you can manage your oral health with confidence! Remember, if you're not sure about the facts, make sure to ask your dentist for their expert opinion. According to the American Dental Association, there are more than 200,000 dentists in the U.S. as of 2020, so it won't be hard to find the right one for you. If you have questions or would like to schedule a dental appointment, reach out to Borealis Dental Studio today!