With National Smile Month upon us (16 May – 16 Jun 2023) we’re on the look out for top tips from the experts on how to get our teeth dazzling. But according to one top dentist, knowing fact from fiction is just as important when it comes to getting that A-lister smile.

From chewing gum being bad for your teeth, to all stains can be whitened, Dr Raj Juneja, Principal Dentist at Face Teeth Smile Dental Clinic busts 5 common oral health myths.

Myth 1: Chewing gum is bad for your teeth
 One of the most common oral health myths is that chewing gum is bad for your teeth. In reality, chewing sugar-free gum can actually be beneficial for your teeth. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralise acid in the mouth. However, it’s important to choose sugar-free gum to avoid promoting tooth decay.
 
Myth 2: All stains can be whitened
 Many people believe that all stains on teeth can be whitened, but this is not always the case. While professional teeth whitening can significantly improve the appearance of most teeth stains, some stains are more difficult to remove than others. For example, intrinsic stains, which occur inside the tooth if the tooth has had trauma for example, are more challenging to whiten than extrinsic stains, which are on the surface of the tooth and can be easily cleaned off before teeth whitening.
 
Myth 3: White teeth mean healthy teeth
 Another common myth is that white teeth automatically mean healthy teeth. While white teeth can be a sign of good oral health, they are not the only indicator. Teeth can appear white and still have underlying issues such as cavities or gum disease. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including regular dental check-ups, to ensure optimal oral health.
 
Myth 4: You have to have your teeth shaved down to create a beautiful smile
 Many people believe that to achieve a beautiful smile, they have to have their teeth shaved down. In reality, there are several cosmetic dentistry options that can help improve the appearance of your smile without altering your natural teeth. For example, composite bonding, teeth straightening, and teeth whitening can all enhance the appearance of your teeth and are minimally invasive options.
 
Myth 5: Cosmetic dentistry means your smile will look fake
 Some people believe that cosmetic dentistry means their smile will look fake, but this is not true. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance the natural beauty of your teeth and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Skilled cosmetic dentists use advanced technology and techniques to create a natural-looking smile that complements your unique features. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of your teeth while still maintaining their natural aesthetics.

Don’t let these oral health myths stop you from transforming your smiles and maintaining your oral health!