It seems harder than ever to find true and accurate information, especially online.
Misinformation runs rampant ─ and this is especially dangerous when it comes to health misinformation.
When it comes to maintaining good oral health and combatting myths, it’s important to consult reputable sources, like the American Dental Association.
But is there any truth to certain “home remedies”? Possibly. And is there a middle ground between established truths and “alternative” claims? Maybe. The ADA takes a health-first and science-first approach when recommending products (which we can’t underscore the importance of), and most big brands follow their lead.
In doing so they may miss out on the opportunity to recommend products that are proven to be effective while causing less environmental damage.
We’ve already written one blog post entitled “Debunking Dental Myths” that we hope has been helpful. But there’s so much more to explore when it comes to this topic. So let’s dive a little deeper!
Why Debunking Dental Myths Matters
Let’s take toothpaste with nanomaterials and microplastics as an example. While it may be effective, it also may not be the best choice from an environmental POV.
There’s a common myth that toothpaste has no microplastics anymore, when in reality, the FDA only partially addressed the use of microplastics in toothpaste in 2015 with the Microbead Free Waters Act.
There are studies that show that some toothpastes still contain levels of harmful microplastics.
On the other hand, there are many supposed “natural” products out there that could cause you far more harm than good because they are not tested for efficacy and may be unregulated.
From toothpaste with too much charcoal that can cause abrasion of enamel, to misleading “non-fluoride” labels, to products that list key ingredients but don’t have enough of them to be effective, there are a ton of products that offer misleading and potentially harmful claims.
How We Can Help
At The Super Dentists, the largest, most trusted, and top awarded pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and parent dentist in San Diego, we believe in taking an evidence-based approach first. We also believe in consulting multiple studies and sources and not taking any information at face value.
We encourage you to do your own homework about the risks vs. benefits of different dental products and practices to come to the most informed decision possible when it comes to protecting your health and the health of your little ones.
Need a little more assistance finding the right products for you or your family? While this blog post isn’t intended to be comprehensive, it is meant to be a helpful guide to untangling fact from fiction when it comes to some of the dental industry’s most pervasive myths.
12 Dental Myths Debunked
1. The Illusion of Foam
Foam in toothpaste might make it look or even feel effective. But too much foam can actually obscure your view of the cleaning process. Ingredients like SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and DEA (Diethanolamine) are often responsible for this misleading effect. And these ingredients may also have deleterious health effects. For instance, while SLS can be effective, it has also been proven to have drying properties when used orally, which can affect the oral microbiome.
2. Intense Flavors and Sensations
Toothpaste and mouthwashes that provide a strong mint flavor or a tingling sensation can be misleading. These sensations, often derived from ingredients such as peppermint oil, might not indicate true effectiveness and could be harsh, particularly for children.
This is why it’s important to shop for oral care products based on age and stage. While you might be okay using a toothpaste with more flavor and still cleaning effectively, your two to five year old might not be.
3. Effective Ingredient Levels
Many oral care products boast beneficial ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite or xylitol, yet often at levels too low to offer real benefits. This can mislead consumers who are trying to make healthy choices and informed decisions.
4. The Truth About Ingredient Sources
The origin of ingredients, such as xylitol sourced from GMO corn versus non-GMO birch trees, plays a significant role in product quality and consumer perception.
5. Risks of Essential Oils
Essential oils are commonly used in oral care for their appealing scents and potential health benefits, including, in some instances, antimicrobial or antiseptic properties. However, the very properties that make some of these essential oils effective may actually mean you want to avoid them.
For instance, unless you’re trying to keep your mouth infection-free after surgery with an antiseptic rinse or essential oil-derived product, you may wish to avoid products that affect the delicate balance of the oral microbiome.
6. Compatibility of Ingredients
When used as directed, fluoride is highly effective at restoring tooth enamel. But its effectiveness can be diminished when the product it is in, be that a toothpaste or mouth rinse, includes certain calcium compounds, misleading consumers about the benefits of fluoride in that product.
7. Visual Appeal vs. Effectiveness
The use of artificial colors in toothpaste and mouthwash is primarily for aesthetic purposes and does not enhance product effectiveness or safety, contrary to popular belief.
8. Vagueness of ‘Non-Fluoride’ Labels
Labels like ‘non-fluoride’ are often too ambiguous, lacking detailed comparisons with effective alternatives such as hydroxyapatite, which can mislead consumers ─ especially parents seeking safe and effective fluoride-free options for their little ones who may not be capable of practicing safe swallowing techniques yet.
9. The Drawbacks of Modern Toothbrushes
Not all brushes are created equally. While high-speed electric toothbrushes with stiff bristles might seem advanced, they can cause dental sensitivity and damage to tooth enamel if used aggressively or improperly.
10. Trendy Ingredients
Ingredients like charcoal are currently in vogue for their modern, edgy appeal, but they may be overly abrasive, posing risks to dental health.
11. Misleading ‘Natural’ Claims
The label ‘natural’ does not always mean safe or effective, as this term is not well regulated. Products marketed as ‘natural’ may still contain synthetic ingredients or perhaps even worse, lack crucial elements essential to proper oral care.
12. Sterilization vs. Microbiome Health
Products containing alcohol and antibacterial agents may kill harmful bacteria, but they also eradicate beneficial microbes, disrupting the balance necessary for oral health.
Protect Your Dental & Oral Health With These Resources…
Want to learn more about proven ways to safeguard the oral health of yourself, your kiddos, or both?
Check out our patient resources page. It’s chock-full of helpful articles, videos, and answers to your common dental health questions.
Looking for a more in-depth resources on comprehensive oral care dos and don’ts? Read Dr. Kami Hoss’ highly acclaimed and national best-selling book “If Your Mouth Could Talk” today.
