True? False? Maybe?

The real facts (and myths) about teeth by the leading Manchester dental practiceConfused about dental hygiene? Unsure about what is good or bad for your teeth and gums? Unclear about the stories you have heard and the advice you have been given? Now Carisbrook Dental, the leading Manchester dental practice, separates the facts from the fiction and provides the definitive answers to ten of the most enduring True, False or Maybe questions that relate to your oral health.

Young children do not need to see a dentist. FALSE!

Many parents believe that there is little point in taking young children to visit a dentist. In fact, according to the Royal College of Surgeons, more than half of children under the age of four did not see a dentist last year. As the leading Manchester dental practice we cannot emphasise enough that children should visit a dentist as soon as their first teeth appear.

You should always brush your teeth before breakfast. TRUE!

Breakfast food, especially citrus fruit and juice, weakens tooth enamel. Brushing too soon after eating can damage enamel further. Always brush your teeth as soon as you get up to clean away plaque.

Mouth ulcers are harmless.  MAYBE!

Mouth ulcers are usually more uncomfortable than dangerous. But, if a mouth ulcer lasts more than three weeks, then as a top Manchester dental practice we recommend that you should get it checked out by your doctor. It could be a symptom of something more serious.

Gum disease can cause Alzheimer’s.  MAYBE!

The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are complex, but there is evidence that bacteria from gum disease could enter the circulatory system and may be a contributory factor. We maintain that good dental hygiene is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Milk teeth are unimportant.  FALSE!

Milk teeth fall out anyway, so why worry about them? In truth milk teeth are a guide for adult teeth and they help them grow in the correct position. If children lose their milk teeth early through tooth decay then the adult teeth can come through in the wrong place.

You don’t need to brush with toothpaste.  MAYBE!

Some evidence suggests that ‘dry brushing’ is more effective at cleaning plaque. As a top Manchester dental practice we advise patients to always use fluoride toothpaste to protect against cavities, bacteria and tooth decay.

Bad breath is a result of gum disease.  MAYBE!

It is true that bad breath can be a sign of gum disease. It could, however, be a symptom of something more serious. If you suffer from bad breath then our advice is to have it checked out by your dentist.

Flossing helps to prevent heart disease.  TRUE!

Brushing your teeth cleans approximately sixty percent of the teeth’s surface area. That means about forty percent remains untouched. Regular flossing to clean between your teeth helps to remove plaque and bacteria that cannot be cleaned by brushing alone. Research by the British Heart Foundation suggests that people with gum disease are more at risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Mints will cure bad breath.  FALSE!

It’s true that sucking mints will mask the effects of bad breath but they will not cure halitosis. In fact leaving sugary sweets in your mouth for prolonged periods can lead to a greater risk of tooth decay.

Poor oral hygiene can affect your love life.  TRUE!

Ignoring the off-putting effects of bad breath, it has been proven that men who suffer from gum disease are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Gum disease can cause inflammation to the lining of blood vessels, which can affect blood flow… including to ‘important parts’.Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is vital to your overall health and as a top Manchester dental practice we would recommend that you follow our dental hygiene and cleaning advice. Equally important, you should also arrange regular check-ups with your dentist. To book an appointment with us you can call us on 0161 951 7295 or alternatively you can contact us by using the online form on our Appointments page.