In the vast world of dental care, it’s not uncommon for myths and misconceptions to circulate, causing confusion and anxiety for patients.
In this article, we’ll tackle some common dental myths, providing you with accurate information to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
Myth 1: If My Teeth Look Fine, I Don’t Need to Visit the Dentist
One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that dental visits are only necessary when experiencing pain or visible issues. Regular dental checkups are crucial for preventive care, catching potential dental problems early, and maintaining optimal oral health.
In fact, the first stages of gum disease and cavities typically go unnoticed, and if you drink alcohol, smoke or consume sugary foods, your teeth are going to be more vulnerable to an array of dental issues.
This means that getting routine dental checkups every 6 months is ideal in order to avoid both pain and costly dental fixes in the future.
Myth 2: Whitening Damages Your Teeth
Professional teeth whitening, when done under the guidance of a dentist, is a safe and effective procedure. Dental professionals use controlled, safe methods that enhance your smile without causing harm to your teeth or overall health.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, on the other hand, may pose risks and often contain questionable substances.
Myth 3: You Should Avoid the Dentist During Pregnancy
Dental care during pregnancy is essential. Hormonal changes can lead to increased dental issues, making regular checkups crucial for both the mother’s and baby’s health.
For example, hormones associated with pregnancy have a tendency to increase the risk of gum disease; about half of pregnant women develop gingivitis at some point in their pregnancy.
Dental procedures, including both emergency and restorative dental work, can be safely performed during pregnancy with proper precautions. However, cosmetic procedures like veneers and teeth whitening should be delayed until after the baby is born.
Myth 4: Sugar is the Sole Cause of Cavities
While excessive sugar consumption is the typical scapegoat, it’s not the sole culprit. Poor oral hygiene, infrequent dental visits, and various other factors may play a role, including:
- Continual snacking throughout the day
- Bedtime baby feeding
- Young or old age
- Dry mouth
- Worn fillings or dental devices
- Heartburn
- Eating disorders
Maintaining good oral habits and regular dental checkups are key to cavity prevention.
Myth 5: If You Brush Harder, Your Teeth Will Be Cleaner
Brushing harder does not equal cleaner teeth; in fact, it can lead to enamel erosion and even gum damage, causing your gums to bleed and recede.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle brushing technique to effectively clean your teeth without causing harm.
Myth 6: It doesn’t matter what time of the day you brush your teeth
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. However it’s also important to also consider timing or when to brush your teeth.
For instance, your teeth are especially vulnerable to cavity-causing agents and gum disease when we sleep because antibacterial saliva production slows. Thus, brushing your teeth before bed and when you wake up is highly recommended.
Myth 7: Dental x-rays are dangerous
Dental x-rays are safe and are very very low in radiation; a set of full mouth x-rays is about the same amount of radiation you would get flying on a short domestic flight.
While dental x-rays expose you to some radiation, the benefits of having them performed are essential for understanding the state of your oral health, as they can alert your dentist of any changes in your hard and soft tissues, and help diagnose conditions such as gum disease, cavities, and even tumors.
Myth 8: Crowns and fillings protect against future decay
Dental crowns and fillings do protect your teeth to some extent, however, that doesn’t mean they’re any less vulnerable to tooth decay than your other teeth.
If you had a dental restoration performed on a tooth, it is just as susceptible to decay as it was prior to the restoration.
Additionally, if another cavity develops in the same area, future treatment will be more costly, which means it’s important to regularly brush and floss thoroughly all of your teeth, whether previously restored or not.
Myth 9: Your oral health isn’t connected to your general health
Oral health isn’t isolated; it’s part of a complex system that affects the entire body. Research has shown a strong connection between oral health and various systemic health conditions, such as cardiovascular health, Diabetes, respiratory health, pregnancy, various inflammatory conditions, and even Alzheimer’s.
Focusing on heart health and managing conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis are essential when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy.
Myth 10: You don’t need to floss
Daily flossing combats the buildup of plaque in between your teeth that brushing alone simply cannot reach and is a key aspect of good oral health.
Myth 11: You should use an alcohol-based mouthwash after every meal
When you use a mouthwash that has an alcohol base, you violently alter the bacterial balance of your mouth. The mouth is full of bacteria, and not all of it is bad.
The alcohol in mouthwash nukes both good and bad bacteria. If alcohol-based mouthwashes are used too frequently, they can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including ulcers, ruined cavity fillings, and even increasing the risk of oral cancer.
Modern Day Dental | Dentist St. Johns, FL
Separating dental facts from fiction is crucial for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. Regular dental checkups, proper oral hygiene, and a well-informed approach to dental care are essential for ensuring your oral health stays in top condition.
If you have specific concerns or questions, consult with your dentist for personalized guidance tailored to your unique oral health needs, and if you’re located in or around St. Johns, Florida, we’d love to help optimize your dental health under the best possible conditions.
At Modern Day Dental, we are dedicated to making the smile of your dreams a reality!