There is no single solution to achieving a healthy mouth and a healthy set of teeth. Our oral health takes a considerable amount of effort and commitment in our everyday lives. However, how can we effectively achieve good oral health when several dental myths and misconceptions spread online and through word of mouth? Sadly, most common dental myths have existed for so long, and many have passed from one generation to another.
You probably heard that “the harder you brush your teeth, the cleaner they will be” or “baby teeth are not important because they will eventually fall out.” Well, these are just some of the most common dental myths we want to discuss further. It is crucial to know the truth of how to take care of your oral health properly. If these dental myths and misconceptions mislead you, you are heading towards dental problems and complications.
Are you ready to debunk these dental myths and misconceptions? Let’s start!
Myth #1: “Dental health only affects your mouth and not your overall health.”
The Truth: If you have poor oral hygiene, you can develop gum diseases. Gum diseases increase the risk of heart disease, respiratory infection, and diabetic complications. In addition, through blood flow, germs and bacteria can quickly spread from your mouth into other parts of the body and cause inflammation and damage. Simply put, good oral health contributes to overall health.
Myth #2: “You will get cleaner teeth when you brush harder.”
The Truth: Brushing your teeth too hard can erode your hard enamel. When this happens, the enamel will not protect the insides of your tooth from cavities. Worse yet, you are just causing more harm to your teeth. Therefore, all dentists agree that you should only use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Myth #3: “The whiter your teeth are, the healthier they are.”
The Truth: Even though your teeth look white, it does not guarantee a healthy mouth. As people age, the lightness of teeth normally changes. So yes, white teeth do not mean you don’t have cavities. This common dental myth makes you think twice when visiting a dentist. But now, you should know that only a dental visit can determine that you have healthy white teeth.
Myth #4: “When your gums bleed, just leave them alone.”
The Truth: Bleeding gums are usually caused by inflammation. Inflammation happens when bacteria and plaque build up in your teeth. So, if your gums start to bleed whenever you floss, it is an indicator that something is going on inside. And yes, you need to have this checked during your next dental visit.
Myth #5: “Cavities are caused by eating excess amounts of sugar.”
The Truth: There is a half-truth to this. Eating foods with sugary content contributes to developing cavities, but it does not cause cavities instantly. What causes the cavities to penetrate your teeth is how long this sugar remains on your teeth. With drinking more water, proper flossing, and brushing, you can avoid cavities. However, even if you do not eat many sugary foods, you can still develop cavities if you do not have good oral hygiene.
Myth #6: “Baby teeth are not important. There is no need to pay much attention.”
The Truth: This common dental myth has to be debunked for new parents. Baby teeth are crucial in helping a baby learn to speak, chew, and smile. Baby teeth hold the space in their jaw, making room for the permanent teeth to grow under the gums. If these are not taken care of, and the baby teeth fall out due to cavities, it will leave a space open that could result in crowded and crooked teeth later.
Myth #7: “Flossing is not important. It only creates spaces.”
The Truth: Flossing is essential in removing dirt from in between your teeth that the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach. It does not create spaces! It actually cleans these spaces.
Myth #8: “Sugar-free sodas will not cause cavities.”
The Truth: Sugar-free sodas still contain acids. And guess what? Bacteria in your mouth love acids. This acid can eat away the enamel, causing tooth sensitivity. So what do you need to do? Drink water and practice good oral hygiene.
Myth #9: “There is no need to see a dentist when there is no toothache.”
The Truth: This is the most significant dental myth and misconception we need to disprove. There are dental problems that do not give out a warning sign. You may not experience pain at all, yet something is going on inside your mouth. Paying a visit twice a year for a routine check-up will indeed prevent dental problems from occurring. However, if you wait for a toothache, you have to be ready for a possible extraction or root canal.
Not everything you hear or read is true. So you need to pay attention to the “truths” from these common dental myths to take care of your oral health properly. Who are the ones who can provide accurate information? Your dentists! Nothing is better than accurate information! With regular dental visits, your oral health will be managed if not improved.
If you haven’t seen a dentist for a long time, then it is time to talk to your trusted dentist in South Pasadena, FL. So please schedule an appointment with Century Dental now, and let’s take care of your teeth, the proper way.
