Introduction – The Everyday Oral Health Trap
In India, we take pride in our food and traditions—fluffy rotis, sweet rasgullas, masala chai, tangy pickles. Our diet is flavorful, but also rich in carbohydrates, sugars, and acids that feed harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Yet, when it comes to visiting a dental clinic, many people still wait for pain to be the alarm bell. In between, we often rely on advice from friends, family, or the internet—sometimes helpful, often misleading.
Unfortunately, oral health myths don’t just waste your time; they can silently damage your teeth and gums. Let’s explore the most common myths and what science-backed dentistry really says about them.
Myth 1: “I only need to see a dentist if something hurts.”
Truth: Toothaches are usually the final stage of a problem. Gum disease and cavities can progress quietly for months. Preventive check-ups every six months catch these issues early, saving you pain and money.
Why this matters in India: We often normalize minor discomfort—whether it’s sensitivity to cold water or slight bleeding gums—until it becomes severe. By then, treatments are more complex and costly.
Myth 2: “Once-a-day brushing is enough.”
Truth: Plaque starts forming within hours after brushing. Brushing twice daily—morning, after breakfast and after dinner, before bed—reduces bacterial activity overnight and keeps your breath fresher.
Skipping night time brushing is especially harmful after tea, coffee, or sweet snacks, which are common in Indian evenings.
Myth 3: “If I brush well, I don’t need to floss.”
Truth: Toothbrush bristles can’t clean between teeth. Flossing or using inter-dental brushes remove hidden food particles and prevents gum disease.
Sticky foods like jalebi, laddoo, and jaggery-based sweets are notorious for lodging between teeth, making flossing essential in our diets.
Myth 4: “Electric toothbrushes are always better.”
Truth: An electric toothbrush can help people with limited hand movement or poor brushing technique, but it’s not a magic solution. Correct brushing technique matters more than the type of brush.
Myth 5: “Whitening will harm my teeth.”
Truth: When done by a trained dentist, whitening is safe, effective, and doesn’t damage enamel. Overuse of home remedies like lemon juice, baking soda, or unregulated whitening gels can erode enamel and cause sensitivity.
Myth 6: “Bleeding gums are normal.”
Truth: Bleeding is usually a sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis) or early gum disease. Ignoring it can lead to bone loss and tooth mobility.
In India, where spicy food and pickles can irritate gums, this sign is often blamed on food rather than actual gum health issues.
Myth 7: “Charcoal toothpaste works wonders.”
Truth: Charcoal toothpaste has abrasive particles that can wear enamel if used frequently. There’s no conclusive scientific evidence that it whitens teeth better than fluoride toothpaste.
Myth 8: “I should rinse immediately after brushing.”
Truth: Rinsing removes the protective fluoride layer from toothpaste. Instead, spit out the foam and leave a thin layer of fluoride on your teeth for extra protection.
Why Internet Myths Are Dangerous
The internet is full of quick hacks—oil pulling to “replace” brushing, clove oil for “permanent” pain relief, or miracle pastes to “re-grow” enamel. Most are harmless at best, harmful at worst. Dentistry is a science; self-treating based on unverified information can turn minor issues into emergencies.
Final Advice
Oral health is part of your overall lifestyle. Just as you wouldn’t ignore regular health check-ups, your teeth deserve preventive care too. Your dentist’s advice will always be more accurate than a viral post or a neighbor’s tip.
Edited by Dr Sourav Ghosh (MDS); Gold Medalist
Conservative Dentist, Endodontist & Cosmetic Dentist
Clinical Head at Smiley Dental Treatment Centre Pvt Ltd
Dr. Sourav Ghosh is a senior Endodontist and Cosmetic Dentist known for integrating advanced technology with specialist expertise. With 21+ years of clinical experience, he ensures that every patient at Smiley Dental Treatment Centre Pvt Ltd receives customized, cutting-edge, and compassionate care.
References:
- Chapple ILC, et al. “Primary prevention of periodontitis: managing gingivitis.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2015;42(Suppl 16):S71–S76.
- Walsh T, et al. “Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019.
- He T, et al. “Comparative efficacy of an oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush and a manual toothbrush.” American Journal of Dentistry. 2012;25(2):79–84.
- Brooks JK, et al. “Charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices: A literature review.” JADA. 2017;148(9):661–670.
- Marsh PD. “Dental plaque as a biofilm and a microbial community.” BMC Oral Health. 2006;6(Suppl 1):S14.
