With the introduction of Viome’s new VRx My·Biotics™Toothpaste & Gel—our breakthrough, unique dual-action formulation—we thought we would help demystify a few common myths about good oral health and oral hygiene habits. The first myth to mention before we get to the list is that toothpaste is toothpaste, and any tube from the store will do.
Our latest Oral Health Solution blows that myth out of the water. It includes a superior cleansing gel and oral supplement toothpaste personalized with your oral biotics and other evidence-based ingredients. Supplements for your mouth? In a toothpaste? Absolutely.
Here are a few more not-so-true myths about oral health that we’re ready to bust.
Myth 1: You really only need to brush your teeth once daily.
Science Says: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day to remove plaque and prevent cavities and gum disease effectively.1 Brushing once a day doesn’t quite cut it to maintain optimal oral health. If you brush in the morning and then eat throughout the day, you’re allowing food particles to sit on your teeth and gums for around 24 hours, giving opportunistic bacteria a chance to feed and produce harmful metabolites in your mouth. Morning breath, indeed.
VRx My·Biotics Bonus: Viome’s personalized toothpaste and gel formulas are specifically focused for separate daytime and nighttime use, with a deep cleanser gel and a supplement paste to effectively care for your gums, strengthen your teeth, and keep your smile sparkling.*
Myth 2: Brushing harder is better to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Science Says: Brushing with excessive pressure, using abrasive toothpaste, and using medium—or hard-bristled toothbrushes can harm your gums and demineralize your enamel surface layer.2 3 Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth effectively without causing harm.
Myth 3: You don't need to floss if you brush regularly.
Science Says: Brushing alone cannot remove stuck food particles and plaque between your teeth and under the gumline. And brushing harder doesn’t help (see Myth 2). Flossing once or more a day is essential to prevent gum disease and cavities in these areas, as well as help reduce bad breath and support heart health.6 “Super floss,” flossing tape, and floss made of fibrous materials like coconut are all good choices. Water flossers, air flossers, and interdental brushes are also excellent options when selecting the right tools to floss your teeth. The important part is that you floss at least once a day.
Myth 4: Mouthwash totally replaces brushing when you’re in a hurry.
Science Says: Mouthwash is not a replacement for using a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. Mouthwash can help freshen your breath, but most OTC mouthwashes contain alcohol and antimicrobial or antiseptic ingredients (keep an eye out for them), which harm the balance of your oral microbiome.4 Stick to brushing and flossing. And–set your alarm clock a few minutes earlier in the morning to give yourself that extra time to brush before leaving the house. Your oral microbiome will thank you.
VRx My·Biotics Bonus: The Sunrise Cleanse & Restore Toothgel formula can leave your mouth feeling like it just got a professional cleaning, so taking those extra 2 minutes (only 2!) to brush in the morning before you leave the house will give you that fresh, clean feeling that you’re looking for with the mouthwash (plus it won’t wipe out essential oral bacteria).
Myth 5: Bad breath is always due to poor oral hygiene.
Fact: While poor oral hygiene can cause bad breath, other factors such as certain foods, alcoholic drinks, health conditions, certain medications, and having a dry mouth can also contribute.5 Ensuring you stay adequately hydrated, maintaining good oral hygiene with the right products, eating the right foods for your oral and gut microbiome, and addressing underlying health issues can help combat bad breath.
Myth 6: All bacteria in the mouth are bad.
Fact: Not all bacteria in the mouth are harmful. A balanced oral microbiome contains beneficial bacteria that protect against harmful pathogens and maintain oral health. Antiseptic and antimicrobial mouthwashes can disrupt this balance, leading to more oral health issues (see Myth 4).
VRx My·Biotics Bonus: Your personalized Nightly Nourish & Protect Toothpaste not only protects and gently whitens your teeth but also provides a good dose of oral biotics to nourish your oral microbiome and help combat the harmful effects of unwanted bacteria.*
Myth 7: Whitening toothpaste can damage your enamel.
Fact: Some whitening toothpaste can be safe for enamel when used as directed. However, many whitening toothpastes contain small amounts of bleaching agents but a ton of abrasives to “polish” your teeth and make them whiter. Overusing toothpaste with harsh abrasive ingredients and brushing with firm pressure can wear down enamel over time.
VRx My·Biotics Bonus: Your nighttime toothpaste formula has safe, gentle, effective ingredients that whiten your teeth without harsh abrasives and help remineralize teeth and protect enamel.*
Myth 8: Dental cleanings are only necessary if you have problems.
Fact: Regular dental cleanings and checkups from your Dentist are essential for preventing oral health issues before they become serious. These exams every six months (mark your calendar) help remove hard tartar, may help detect early signs of disease, and give your teeth a good cleaning and polishing to help keep them clean and white.
Myth 9: You should rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after brushing.
Fact: The routine with OTC toothpaste is usually brush, spit, and then swish. While swallowing a bit of toothpaste probably won’t create any issues, swallowing large amounts can cause stomach upset.7 New thoughts in the dental industry say not to rinse your mouth after brushing, as it might dilute its effects on your teeth.8
VRx My·Biotics Bonus: What if you didn’t have to spit out your toothpaste OR rinse after brushing? Your Nightly Nourish & Protect Toothpaste is specially formulated as an oral supplement that is completely safe to ingest with no spitting or rinsing required. This enables the formula to stay in your mouth and work on your teeth and oral microbiome while you sleep.
References:
1 Zhou, C. D.M.D, M.S. (2023, July 27). Mayo Clinic Blog, Healthy Lifestyle, Adult Health. Online at mayoclinic.org
2 Wiegand A, Schlueter N. (2014). Monogr Oral Sci. 2014;25:215-9. doi: 10.1159/000360379. Epub 2014 Jun 26. PMID: 24993269.
3 Addy, M., & Hunter, M. (2003). International Dental Journal, 53, 177-186. doi.org/10.1111/j.1875-595X.2003.tb00768.x
4 Brookes Z, Teoh L, Cieplik F, Kumar P. (2023). Int Dent J. 2023 Nov;73 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S74-S81. doi: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.08.010. Epub 2023 Oct 17. PMID: 37867065; PMCID: PMC10690560.
5 Aylıkcı BU, Colak H. (2013). J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2013 Jan;4(1):14-23. doi: 10.4103/0976-9668.107255. PMID: 23633830; PMCID: PMC3633265.
6 Lindberg, S. (2021, Feb 7). Dental Health Tips, Healthline Blog. Online at healthline.com
7 Meehan TJ. (2023). In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 135.
8 Reviewed 2022, Feb. 15. Live Well, NHS Blog. Online at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well
