Over the years they have "taken root" in our minds and in our culture and it is difficult to discern what is really going on.

The development of technology that is continuous, but also the easy access of everyone to information help to break down these misconceptions. Below we will analyse some of them.

MYTH: “The harder I brush my teeth, the better I clean them.”

TRUTH: Of course, this is not the case, more specifically, intense and persistent brushing can damage tooth enamel and injure our gums. According to dentists, when brushing teeth we make gentle and careful movements without much pressure. Circular on the teeth and straight movements on the chewing surface.

MYTH: Expensive toothpastes are more effective than cheap ones.

TRUTH: This is a miscalculation. A moderate-cost toothpaste can do the same job as a more expensive one. Our dentist can suggest the one that best meets the needs of our teeth.

MYTH: "Whitening products hurt and weaken our teeth"

TRUTH: Okay, there may be a small dose of truth behind this view. Most of them are harmless, but it is good that everything we use is approved and we inform our dentist. We must also remember that whitening targets and affects the color of the teeth and not their health. In particular, whitening toothpastes, because they contain small particles that lightly rub the surface of the teeth, but also chemicals that break down the pigments, can prove to be a bit "aggressive" to people with sensitive teeth and gums, but we should not be afraid that weaken our teeth.

MYTH: "If you do not consume sweets, you are not at risk of caries."

TRUTH: Unfortunately, they do not contain only sweet sugar, the great enemy of teeth. Sugar is also found in other foods, such as ready-made snacks, cereals and commercial juices. But also in soft drinks, chewing gum, and even dried fruit.

MYTH: Dental floss is not necessary if we brush our teeth well.

TRUTH: Brushing your teeth should be combined with flossing, as the toothbrush cannot penetrate between the teeth and below the gum line, where food debris and bacteria can remain. These areas are best cleaned with dental floss or special interdental brushes, preferably before bedtime. We can ask our dentist to show us how to use it properly.

MYTH: We go to the dentist if we are in pain or if we have a visible problem with our teeth.

TRUTH: It is wise to go to the dentist twice a year, regardless of whether we feel any discomfort or pain. Most diseases related to the teeth and gums, when they are in their initial stage, do not cause obvious symptoms. This is why a preventive visit is recommended to check and identify any problems at an early stage to avoid bigger and more serious damage in the future.

MYTH: I brush my teeth as soon as I wake up.

TRUTH: The right thing to do is to brush our teeth even when we have not eaten, and this is because plaque can also be created by germs in the normal flora of the mouth. But because many find it difficult to adopt this habit, experts recommend that we wash them twice a day, once in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed.

MYTH: If our teeth are white, it means that they are healthy.

TRUTH: It goes without saying that this claim has no basis. The health of the teeth is not judged by their colour. A tooth that is white on the outside may be damaged on the inside.

MYTH: My parents did not have a problem with their teeth, so I do not have to worry about mine.

TRUTH: The heredity factor may apply to a small percentage, but the health of our teeth depends on us. If we are typical about our visit to the dentist and whether we take care of them.