admin
Dec 26, 2023
Myths and misconceptions spread like wildfire and make us worry unnecessarily. Social media plays a pivotal role in spreading such rumours. These are often based on assumptions and half-baked knowledge.
Dental myths rank highest among them because they create paranoia about various beneficial treatments and keep people away from visiting dentists. Thus, validating information passed on without any facts and references is vital.
Visiting a practitioner is never harmful. Ignoring dental problems can lead to damaging results. It is vital to protect your teeth and gums because they are needed for chewing, biting and speaking clearly.
Besides maintaining oral hygiene and visiting your Hope Island dentist, you must avoid misconceptions. Here is a list of ten common dental myths debunked to give you the right information. It will help you educate others and keep your oral health under check.
Myth 1: Visit Your Dentist Only When In Pain
Fact: Many people believe this myth and avoid dentists until they have a dental emergency or toothache. However, it is a big misconception that must be set straight.
It is essential to visit your dentist every six months to get your teeth examined for cavities, gingivitis and other dental problems. Avoiding this will lead to delayed treatment until the infection spreads and leads to tooth loss.
Myth 2: Brushing Harder Means Cleaner Teeth
Fact: If you have been brushing your teeth vigorously to make them whiter or cleaner, you are making a huge mistake. Putting too much pressure while brushing can erode the tooth enamel. It leads to tooth sensitivity and makes teeth vulnerable to cavities and gum recession.
Myth 3: Whitening Treatment Damages Teeth
Fact: Contrary to popular belief, teeth whitening does not cause enamel erosion. The only side effect of teeth whitening treatment is sensitivity and soreness of the gums, which subsides within a few days. Getting it done by a professional dentist Hope Island rather than using commercial products is vital.
Myth 4: Flossing Is Not Necessary If You Brush
Fact: It is commonly believed that flossing is unnecessary and is only needed when something is stuck between teeth. However, expert dentists in Hope Island suggest that flossing must be done daily in addition to brushing.
The toothbrush bristles cannot reach between the gaps and near the gum line. Flossing helps to remove debris and particles stuck in these spaces to reduce the risk of cavities.
Myth 5: High Sugar Intake Leads to Cavities
Fact: Cavities are often associated with consuming chocolates, candies and sugary drinks. However, eating sugar does not harm teeth. The problem arises when it gets stuck to the teeth and stays in the mouth for a long time.
If you rinse your mouth after eating sticky and starchy foods, it will not cause cavities. Also, you must brush twice and floss once daily to keep the plaque at bay.
Myth 6: Chewing Gum Can Replace Brushing
Fact: Dentists in Hope Island suggest having sugar-free gum to increase saliva generation in the mouth and remove the accumulation of acids or sugar in the mouth. However, it cannot replace brushing, which is mandatory to clean teeth and remove plaque and food debris.
Myth 7: Gum Bleeding Is Normal
Fact: Many think gum bleeding is normal and does not require attention. However, it is a sign of gingivitis or gum disease that can damage your teeth and gums.
If you witness blood while brushing, you must book an appointment with an expert Hope Island dentist to examine your mouth. They will be able to identify the underlying problem and treat it before it aggravates and causes gum recession.
Myth 8: Baby Teeth Don’t Need Care
Fact: It is a common misconception that baby teeth do not require care because they are not permanent. However, this is completely false. You must start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they erupt with a soft-bristled baby brush and dot-sized toothpaste.
Teach them to rinse their mouth after brushing to avoid swallowing toothpaste and brush their teeth carefully. Also, do not let them sleep with the bottle in their mouth as the sugar in the formula stays in the mouth for long and leads to baby bottle tooth decay.
Myth 9: Crowns Protect Teeth from Damage
Fact: It is a common myth that teeth covered with crowns will not decay. However, the truth is that they do not provide complete protection from bacteria build-up.
The bacteria can start spreading underneath the crown and affect the teeth if you do not brush properly. Also, flossing is necessary to remove the particles stuck between the crown and adjacent teeth.
Myth 10: Don’t Visit a Dentist during Pregnancy
Fact: If you have been advised to skip your dental appointment during pregnancy, you need to stop listening to such ill advice. Oral health is linked to the overall health of the body and should not be ignored, especially during pregnancy.
It is vital to go through the usual check-ups. Also, many women suffer from gum inflammation or bleeding during pregnancy, which makes it all the more important to visit your dentist.
Wrapping Up
If you have heard something doubtful about dental treatments and oral care, you probably need to check the facts. A wide range of myths keep doing the rounds of social circles and make people believe in them. Thus, speak to your dentist and get your doubts and myths cleared.
