To maintain great oral health, it is important that you keep your teeth clean through regular brushing and flossing. You should also make it a habit to visit a dentist at least twice a year for an oral exam that would reveal the emergence of periodontal disease and help catch other problems such as oral cancer and bite disorders early on.

Although many people have ample knowledge on how to maintain their dental health, there are still a few myths remaining about teeth and gum cleaning that may affect your ability to achieve sufficient oral hygiene and steer clear of dental complications. This article seeks to bust 2 harmful myths on gum and teeth cleaning so as to help boost your oral health. 

Brushing is a no-brainer

Many folks believe that tooth brushing is a straightforward process that doesn't require much thought. This is however quite misleading, as simply brushing without following some practices can deny you the full value of the process.

To thoroughly remove food debris on your teeth that would otherwise harbor bacteria and cause tooth decay, you need to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you brush for about 2 minutes or so, applying gentle pressure on the teeth and gums and angling the toothbrush so it reaches the back of the teeth and other hard-to-reach areas.

Remember to avoid using a toothbrush with excessively hard bristles, as it can irritate your gums and scrape off tooth enamel. A good idea would be to ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush that would be suited to your dental needs.

Finally, be sure to complement your brushing with flossing, as this will help remove food debris between teeth that would otherwise be very difficult to remove with a toothbrush.

If your gums are bleeding, stop brushing

It may be tempting to stop brushing if your gums are irritated or bleeding due to the pain you experience. Unfortunately, neglecting to clean your inflamed gums will not solve the issue. Brushing is an integral part of good oral hygiene and will eventually reduce bleeding over time and possibly halt the advancement of gum disease and tooth loss.

Gums are usually inflamed due to aggressive brushing or the onset of gingivitis. If you have been brushing too vigorously, you may be able to halt the issue by using a special soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle strokes so as not to irritate your gums. If the problem is caused by gingivitis, you may have to visit your dentist at a clinic like Trussville Dentistry for professional oral cleaning to remove bacteria and food particles in your gum pockets.