Tooth decay refers to the deterioration of the teeth’s outer surface due to bacterial action and is the most prevalent oral hygiene problem in children and adults. One of the many reasons why people fail to take care of their teeth against decay is the lack of knowledge about the causes. There remain many misconceptions about tooth decay and if cleared, could lead to better oral health.

Brushing, Flossing And Using Mouthwash Is Enough: While these three steps are crucial for good oral hygiene, sometimes they are not enough because they are not done right. For how long do you brush your teeth? 30 seconds? A minute? Sadly, this is not enough. The required time for a proper brushing regimen is a whole two minutes. Similarly, are you replacing your toothbrush every couple of months with a new one? If you are not, you are allowing the bacteria to accumulate on the bristles over time, and eventually the brush loses its purpose and effectiveness.

Also, are you using dental floss to clean the upper teeth and then the lower teeth with the same piece? This is just causing the bacteria from the upper section to transfer to the lower section and so using two different threads is recommended. When it comes to using mouthwash, make sure it doesn’t have high alcohol level because that is just going to make the mouth dry and prone to gum bleeding. High sugar content will again cause bacteria build-up, leading to tooth decay.

Candies’ Cause Cavities: This is true to a large extent but not the only reason. Cavities are contagious and breathing in close space with a cavity affected person also means bad news even if you stay miles away from sugar. Acidic foods also weaken the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to bacteria, causing tooth decay.

Fluoride Solves All The Problems: A recent study has shown the ineffectiveness of fluoride at preventing decay. Some claim that fluoride is poison and sticks to the teeth, preventing re-mineralization. It can also cause white patches and browning of teeth in children. Thus, fluoride is not the only solution but has to be backed up by brushing and regular checkups.

Now that these misconceptions have been debunked, hopefully you will be able to take better care of your teeth and prevent decay and other problems.