Dental Myths Debunked - 6 Common Misconceptions
Many common dental myths have circulated throughout the years, which may have been passed down between generations.
Unfortunately, the popular misconceptions may prevent many people from improving their oral hygiene or seeking the treatment they need to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Our goal is to quash mistaken beliefs to protect your dental health day after day. Here are six dental myths debunked.
Myth #1: Dental X-Rays are Dangerous
Are you worried about radiation exposure during a dental X-ray? If so, you will be relieved to learn dental X-rays emit a low level of radiation, which is approximately 0.005 mSv (millisievert), meaning it poses little or no threat.
For this reason, you mustn’t worry about receiving a dental X-ray, as it will help a dentist identify soft or hard tissue changes and diagnose and treat various oral health issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tumors.
Also, many pregnant women believe they cannot have a dental x-ray, but this isn’t true. As it emits a low level of radiation, it will not cause any harm to an expectant mother or her baby.
Myth #2: Only Sugar Causes Cavities
There is no question that sugar can cause cavities to develop, but it isn’t the biggest threat to your smile. It is the bacteria that eat the sugar that increases your risk of tooth decay.
Eating sticky foods, like starchy carbs, will boost the production of oral bacteria, which will flourish on and surrounding your teeth. The harmful bacteria will then produce an acid compound that erodes your tooth enamel, increases plaque, and causes your teeth to decay.
Maintain healthy teeth by brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice daily, and flossing once per day. Also, eat a nutritious, balanced diet to support good oral health.
Myth #3: Flossing isn’t Essential
If you brush your teeth twice per day for two minutes, you might think you don’t need to floss. However, brushing and flossing regular are essential for good dental hygiene.
When you floss your teeth, you can clean hard-to-reach spaces, such as gaps between your teeth. As a result, you can quickly remove food debris and plaque buildup to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which will help you develop a whiter, healthier smile.
Myth #4: Vigorous Brushing Equals Cleaner Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice daily is essential for good dental health, but you must be careful not to clean them too hard.
Vigorous brushing will not make your teeth cleaner and may destroy your enamel. Also, you will increase your risk of tooth sensitivity and discoloration or bleeding and receding gums.
If you often experience pain or sensitivity when eating certain foods or your teeth feel sensitive to cold air or when smiling, it might be a sign you are brushing your teeth too hard each morning and night.
Also, review your toothbrush to identify if you are brushing your teeth too hard. If it appears worn, misshapen, and frayed, you might be guilty of vigorous brushing or applying too much pressure to your teeth.
Protect your teeth by gently brushing your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush for two minutes each time.
Also, you can support dental care by rinsing your toothbrush before and after use and replacing it every three months.
If you are eager to create cleaner, smoother teeth, organize a professional dental cleaning every six months. A dental hygienist will remove tartar and plaque debris, measure your gums to prevent gum disease, and may even take x-rays to thoroughly assess your oral health.
Myth #5: Pregnant Women Should Avoid the Dentist
There is a misconception that you shouldn’t visit the dentist when pregnant. If you are expecting, it is highly recommended to attend regular dental exams and professional cleanings during pregnancy.
Also, a dentist may recommend you attend more frequent appointments during your second and third trimesters to avoid gingivitis or treat serious gum disease.
Dental exams, cleanings, and other services aren’t only safe but are essential, as you are more likely to experience dental issues due to rising hormone levels. For instance, pregnancy may cause your gums to bleed and swell or result in food becoming trapped.
Also, untreated tooth decay and gum disease will increase your risk of infection, which can pose a threat to you and your baby.
Inform your dentist you are pregnant to ensure they provide the right advice and treatment for your oral health needs.
Also, they can provide expert advice on how to care for your baby’s teeth as they grow, and you should schedule your child’s first appointment by their first birthday or when their teeth start to appear.
Myth #6: White Teeth are Healthy Teeth
Your teeth might look clean, white, and healthy, but there might be hidden issues you need to address to stop them from spiraling. White teeth don’t always equal healthy teeth, especially if you whiten them.
Believe it or not, your teeth’s natural aesthetic isn’t sparkling white. That’s because dentin, the teeth’s outer layer, is a translucent bluish-white. As a result, you can see the color underneath, which often has a yellowish tint.
Also, many oral health problems will not alter the color of your teeth, such as bruxism (teeth grinding), gum disease, and early stages of tooth decay. For this reason, you must visit the dentist every six months, but your dentist may recommend more frequent visits depending on your oral health needs. It will protect your white smile year after year.
Conclusion
As you can see, many myths have emerged throughout the decades, which can shape a person’s oral health. Don’t allow misconceptions to destroy your oral hygiene and damage your smile and keep the above information in mind when caring for your teeth.
At bafdentistry, we provide our patients with a comprehensive variety of family dental services to care for their oral health, from full oral exams and dental cleanings to fillings, x-rays, and professional teeth whitening. Care for your teeth and gums by booking an appointment at our friendly, welcoming dental office.