By Everything Lifestyle Staff

Oral Health

Don’t Believe These Oral Health Myths

Feb 20, 2025 | 6:50 AM

Get the facts behind common misconceptions related to tooth and gum health.

While many people may not give their oral health a second thought, there are a surprising number of misconceptions and myths about your teeth and gums, including how to care for them and how oral health is connected to overall health. This may stop you from taking the proper steps to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

Here are some of the most common myths surrounding dental and oral health, along with the facts to set the record straight.

Myth: Only children get cavities.

Fact: Cavities can develop at any age. They occur when plaque builds up on teeth, causing them to decay. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss twice a day, using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Also, visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

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Myth: Bleeding gums are normal.

Fact: If your gums bleed during brushing and flossing, it’s due to inflammation and the onset of gingivitis. Left unchecked, this can turn into periodontal disease, which is serious and puts you at risk of losing teeth and experiencing other health issues.

Myth: The harder you brush, the better.

Fact: When you brush hard, you create more trauma to the tooth enamel and gum tissue. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, discoloration and receding gums. It’s best to brush gently with a soft-bristled brush.

Myth: If you brush your teeth well, you don’t need to floss.

Fact: Flossing is an important part of keeping teeth and gums healthy. It removes up to 80% of plaque and can reach areas that are inaccessible to a toothbrush. However, about 20% of people never floss and of those who do, only about 40% do it daily.

Myth: If your teeth are white, they’re healthy.

Fact: The color of your teeth may be affected by what you eat or drink, whether you smoke and other factors, but tooth color is not an indication of how healthy your teeth are. Even bright white teeth can have decay and other dental problems.

Myth: Dry mouth is normal.

Fact: Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. Some medical conditions, illnesses and medications may cause this condition. If you experience dry mouth, talk to a dentist or doctor.

Myth: You only need to see a dentist if you have a problem.

Fact: One of the best ways to keep teeth and gums healthy is to see a dentist regularly, typically twice a year. During these visits, your teeth will be professionally cleaned and you will be checked for signs of tooth decay and gum disease.

Myth: What happens in your mouth, stays in your mouth.

Fact: When you have gum disease, bacteria in your mouth can enter the bloodstream. This can contribute to heart disease, respiratory infections and pregnancy complications, as well as other serious health issues.

Myth: Only tobacco users get oral cancer.

Fact: Tobacco use increases your risk of oral cancer, but so does heavy alcohol use and HPV infection. If you see any changes in color in your mouth, notice patches on your tongue or experience unexplained bleeding, see a dentist for an evaluation.

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_{Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD}