9 Oral hygiene Myths “Zippety-Zapped!”

My daughter likes to use the word “Zippety-Zap” if she wants to change something or make it disappear. I thought using this word would be great to use if I want to dispel the following myths. So here are the following 9 oral hygiene myths “Zippety-Zapped”:

1.       Brushing two to three times a day should be enough. Studies will show that brushing every other day is enough. This is supported by bacterial studies. We tell our patients this only because we were taught it in dental school. The American Dental Association and the American Association of Periodontology also recommends brushing 2 to 3 times a day. However, the most important message from this is that “it is not the frequency of how often you brush that is important. It is the efficiency of having to remove every plaque on every tooth daily that is more important.”

2.       Using a mouthwash along with brushing should be enough. Mouthwashing is not enough especially if you suffer from periodontitis. Studies will show that rinsing with a mouthwash will enter 0.1mm inside the gum pocket. The other concern is substantivity, how long is the mouthwash effective for? Listerine has a substantivity of 30 minutes. Whereas, Peridex or CHX will last for 12 hours.

3.       A Waterpik or Airflosser replaces flossing. Periodontists know that a Waterpik or an Airflosser does not replace flossing. Remember that plaque is a sticky substance and no strong spray will somehow get in between the teeth or inside the gum pockets. (Think if dirt on your hand can be removed effectively just by turning the water faucet at full power!) However, it is effective if used with DILUTED Clorox bleach. Bleach! Yes! The studies will show that DILUTED bleach (only use Clorox brand), the same concentration as being in a swimming pool, raises the PH level in your mouth and have its effectiveness in killing the bacterial plaque. It is recommended that you use ½ tsp to 1 tsp of bleach diluted with 16oz of water or dilute with water to the top of the tub.

4.       Use of an electric toothbrush is way better than using a manual brushing. Philips Sonicare will say an overwhelming number of dentists would agree with this. I tend to agree with the American Dental Association that either one works well if you brush for 2 minutes. The studies will show that the electric toothbrush will get in between the teeth better than a manual toothbrush but differences may be minor. I like an electric toothbrush only because it comes with a 2-minute timer.

5.       I should brush longer or brush more. Studies will show that 2 minutes vs 5 minutes of brushing have no differences in plaque removal. The same surfaces end up being cleaned repetitiously during a 5-minute interval vs. the 2-minute interval. Don’t let anyone tell you that “you need to brush more.” 2 minutes of brushing is enough.

6.       A hard or medium toothbrush will remove plaque better. This seems to be a common thought by most people. However, this is not supported by most dentists and hygienist. Use of a hard or medium toothbrush has shown to be traumatic to the gum tissues and cause further gum recession, resulting in more exposed tooth. Also do not use any metal tools especially ultrasonic metal cleaners. Leave that to the professionals!

7.       Changing your toothbrush every 3 months is necessary. The toothbrush companies want you to believe this. However, it is not necessary especially when studies would show that just by toothbrushing alone allow for 40-60% of plaque regrowth. The most important part of hygiene is to make sure that all plaque is removed. It is important to use the right tools. This consist of more than just brushing.

8.       Plaque is always going to come back, so why bother cleaning. I call this the “defeatist mentality.” In fact, you are not alone in believing this. I’ve had students tell me this. Although, plaque does accumulate within 24 hours, our goal is to be free of plaque to live a healthy lifestyle. Simply put, no plaque! This can be achieved!

9.       Floss gently. As dentists, we are so concerned about damaging gum tissues. However, we must remember that if our gums are diseased especially in between our teeth, our goal is to remove bacterial plaque. The action of flossing should be done where it goes as far as it allows you to, which means going inside the gums to clean. Flossing gently will not allow the floss to enter the gums entirely.