There are plenty of old wives’ tales that exist about our teeth (tooth fairy, anyone?) and although modern dentistry has come a long way, some myths persist. We asked Dr Adam Alford, dentist at Bupa Dental Brisbane, the truth about some common mouthcare misconceptions.

Claim: You must brush your teeth harder to remove more plaque 

Verdict: False.

It might seem that the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be, but scrubbing your pearly whites with too much pressure or using the hardest toothbrush you can find can cause a host of problems, including sensitive teeth and receding gums.  

Dr Alford recommends “soft toothbrushing using a soft toothbrush”. To remove plaque, it’s good brushing technique that matters the most. 

The key is to aim the toothbrush bristles directly at the gum line, rather than the top of the tooth, as this is where plaque starts to form. Move the toothbrush in a gentle, circular motion, which will clear away plaque, for a total of two minutes.

Claim: Toothbrushes must be replaced regularly 

Verdict: True.

Don’t wait until your toothbrush looks like a flattened echidna. Even if it looks okay on the outside, “bacteria build up in your toothbrush”, says Dr Alford. The Australian Dental Association recommends you replace your toothbrush (or brush head, if it’s an electric toothbrush) every three months or when the bristles start to splay (whichever comes first), or after you’ve had a cold. 

If your toothbrush bristles are wearing out in less than three months, you may be pressing too hard while brushing.

Claim: Mouthwash isn't necessary for oral health

Verdict: True.

There’s a confusing array of mouthwashes available today promising to do everything from fight bad breath to help protect against cavities and gum disease. But do you really need this extra step in your at-home dentalcare? Dr Alford isn’t convinced. 

“Most mouthwashes, in my opinion, are not worth using,” he says. “The only ones I recommend are alcohol free and contain fluoride, otherwise they could be detrimental with the alcohol drying the tissues out. Some mouthwashes that contain peroxide and chlorhexidine are good for the gums but need to be used carefully, particularly with chlorhexidine as it can stain the teeth.” 

Bottom line: read the labels, and speak to your dentist if you need guidance. 

Claim: It’s okay to share your toothbrush occasionally

Verdict: False.

If someone forgets their toothbrush on a family holiday, is it okay to share your brush with them? It might seem like an act of kindness but what you’re really doing is sharing your bacteria with them, which can increase your risk of catching a cold, the flu or other germs lurking on your toothbrush. 

“You shouldn’t share anything that has been in the oral cavity as it is full of bacteria and can easily spread saliva-borne viruses and bacterial infections,” says Dr Alford.

Claim: You should line your toothbrush with a row of toothpaste

Verdict: False.

We’re used to seeing toothpaste ads showing a line of toothpaste being squeezed along the toothpaste but the Australian Dental Association says a pea-sized blob of fluoridated toothpaste is enough. 

“We only need to use a small amount of toothpaste – particularly children, who should use child-strength toothpaste until the age of eight,” advises Dr Alford.

Research has found most kids are using far too much toothpaste . If young children ingest too much fluoride while their adult teeth are still forming, they can develop what’s called dental fluorosis, which cause teeth to become stained or discoloured.