Dental care myths checked: A doctor explains what is really important for healthy teeth

You should have it at least twice a dayTeethcleaning. You learn this from childhood. And yet ambiguities continue to arise. Are electric toothbrushes really better, or do they irritate your gums? Should you use a mouthwash? Harmsthe tooth enamel really irretrievable? We finally wanted certainty - and we went to a dentistDr. Katharina Broosasked very carefully. The biggestDental care mythsim Check!

“As a dentist, flossing is part of my nighttime routine every evening. In fact, you definitely use dental floss BEFORE brushing your teeth. Flossing removes food residue and plaque between the teethteethremoved. You want to clean these up afterwards. In addition, the toothpaste can then work better in the spaces between the teeth.”

“Unfortunately that’s not true. Because not all toothpastes are healthy and effective. Many formulations contain potentially harmful substances such as coarse abrasives and aggressive foamers, which have an irritating effect on the gums and can have a negative impact on the oral flora if used over a long period of time. That's why it's better to check the ingredients list! Titanium dioxide, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), added sugar and microplastics should be avoided at all costs.”

“Immediately after eating – especially after acidic foods – this can happenBrushing your teethdamage tooth enamel. It is therefore better to wait about 20 to 30 minutes so that the saliva has time to neutralize the acid in the food beforehand.”

"ThisMythosnot true – assuming you use a modern model. In fact, the new generations of electric toothbrushes are often even gentler than manual ones. They enable even cleaning. Important: It is essential that you have a pressure sensor to avoid damage to the gums. I also recommend a round brush head and sensitive attachments with soft bristles. Attention: Regardless of whether it is an electric or manual toothbrush, the brushing technique is crucial!”

“Many mouthwash solutions contain alcohol or harsh chemicals that can unbalance the oral flora. In my opinion, daily use is not necessary and should always be used as needed and as recommended by the dentist. According to my practical experience, it is more effective and gentler. Immediately after getting up in the morning with a good organic linseed or coconut oil.”

“Professional whitening is one of the most common treatments in my areaDental practicewith a focus on aesthetics and implantology in Munich. Teeth whitening is usually not painful if it is carried out systematically and professionally. However: gentle and sustainable bleaching requires time and great cooperation between patient and practitioner. I therefore recommend a combination of in-office and home bleaching.”

“Oil pulling has been practiced in traditional Indian medicine for centuries and can certainly help to positively support oral health and promote general well-being. Coconut oil, for example, has an antibacterial effect due to the lauric acid it contains. I practice it every day immediately after getting up and recommend oil pulling to every one of my patients in the practice. The feedback I get is consistently positive. Attention: Oil pulling is not a replacementBrushing your teethstill floss! It should be viewed as a complementary measure to established oral hygiene practices.”

“A trend that is here to stay! Tongue scraping is a proven method for removing bacteria, debris, and debris from the tongue. This not only freshens your breath, but also prevents bad breath and helps improve general oral hygiene. As a dentist, I recommend tongue scraping as a useful addition to daily dental care, ideally directly after oil pulling in the morning.”

“The professional oneTeeth cleaningFor me it is definitely part of modern dentistry. Here, tartar and plaque are removed, which cannot be achieved through regular brushing of patients' teeth. Professional teeth cleaning prevents gum disease and tooth decay and improves them in the long termOral health. Tip: I recommend a dental check-up and professional teeth cleaning at least once a year, ideally using the airflow technique.”

“If carried out correctly by a dentist, bleaching is usually safe and does not cause any harmteethand the tooth enamel does not. However, it is important to seek professional advice to minimize risks. We love bleaching in our practice and use it every day to give our patients a white and radiant smile! Be careful when bleaching at home without advice! Agents that are too aggressive or used improperly can damage tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.”