This Mother’s Day at Sand Springs Family Dentistry, we want to let moms know how much we appreciate them. While you stay hard at work being an awesome parent, we want to help educate you further on your child’s dental hygiene. When it comes to your child’s oral health, we want to help moms everywhere get the correct facts to keep their kids’ dental hygiene its best. Here are some of the biggest myths about oral hygiene… and then the truth.
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#1 DENTIST VISITS DURING PREGNANCY
Myth : Mother’s to be, while in pregnancy, SHOULD NOT go to the dentist. It’s harmful to both the mother and the baby.
Truth: The American Dental Association says preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy.
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#2 BRUSHING AND FLOSSING
Myth: Brush and floss your teeth twice daily.
Truth: According to the American Dental Association, it’s correct that you should brush twice daily, but you should floss only ONCE daily.
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#3 BRUSHING FREQUENCY
Myth: You should brush your teeth for one minute, twice daily.
Truth: The American Dental Association says you should brush your teeth twice daily for TWO MINUTES each time.
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#4 YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Myth: Use a toothbrush with hard bristles to remove all of the plaque buildup.
Truth: According to the ADA, you should use a toothbrush with soft bristles, making sure to brush all sides of your teeth, and tongue for fresher breath.
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#5 TOOTHBRUSH REPLACEMENT PERIOD
Myth: Replace your toothbrush only once or twice yearly.
Truth: The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles become visibly frayed or matted.
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#6 TOOTHBRUSH STORAGE
Myth: When done using your toothbrush, put it in a closed toothbrush container.
Truth: The ADA recommends when done using your toothbrush, you should rinse thoroughly and store it upright so it can air dry. Do not share your brush with others, either.
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#7 AGE AND DENTAL HYGIENE
Myth: Missing brushing periods and having poor dental hygiene affects adults, not children.
Truth: According to the CDC, children with poor dental hygiene can have pain, have to stay home from school, and can even have difficulty concentrating and learning.
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#8 SUPERVISION
Myth: Parents (MOTHER’S) should hope their child’s daily toothbrushing efforts go well and leave it up to the child…after all they don’t need to go to the dentist until they are way older.
Truth: The CDC recommends supervised tooth brushing and regular visits to the pediatrician or dentist to know exactly what the right amount of fluoride toothpaste is to use.
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#9 VISITS TO THE DENTIST
Myth: The number of recommended dentist visits per year is the same for every person. 2.
Truth: The ADA recommends speaking to your dentist to solidify the number of visits you will individually need yearly in relation to your oral health status and health history.
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These are just some myths and truths of oral hygiene habits. Share your thoughts below! If you have any questions, please contact Sand Springs Family Dentistry (here) or on Facebook. Also, follow us on Instagram.
*All information has been gathered from the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control websites*
