March 25, 2023
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Certain factors of dental treatments and oral health are misunderstood by most people thanks to a lot of false and misleading information available all around. Some dental myths have been there for so long, having been passed down from generation to generation, that people are led to believe in them without even thinking twice.
Sticking to dental myths can cause much harm to oral health. It is important to be able to differentiate between these popular misconceptions and facts. This knowledge can go a long way in helping you maintain optimum oral health and enhance your overall well-being.
In this article Dr. Sheena Gaur a renowned dentist at Kirkland premier Dentistry removes the 5 widest misconceptions & myths based on your dental health.
Also Read: – Top 5 Clear Alignment Myths You Should Know Now
Separating Fact from Fiction: Busting Common Dental Myths
Myth 1: Teeth Whitening May Damage The Teeth
It is a common belief that teeth whitening treatments can end up damaging the tooth enamel
and exposing it to further dental problems.
However, the truth is that teeth whitening is an extremely safe procedure when done under the professional supervision of an expert dentist. Your dentist can also recommend at-home whitening kits and explain & demonstrate their proper use to you.
It is pertinent to mention here that over-the-counter teeth whitening products can contain certain acidic ingredients which can prove harmful to the enamel of your teeth. So it is always better to opt for a trusted product advised by a dentist.
Always make sure to consult your dentist before beginning any tooth whitening treatment for the appropriate product and its right use.
Myth 2: Bleeding Gums Are Normal
Inflammation of the gums can cause bleeding in them during brushing or flossing. The inflammation can be present because of several reasons like excessive plaque buildup, the beginning of gingivitis, gum disease, etc and none of these can be termed as normal. If your gums bleed while brushing or flossing, contact your dentist immediately.
Myth 3: Cavities Are caused by Sugar
People have widely continued to blame sugar as the main cause of tooth decay for ages now so much so, that it can be safely called one of the most publicly accepted myths. Though the considerable contribution of sugar in the formation of cavities cannot be denied, it’s not the sugar that is the problem.
It is actually the bacteria in your mouth that is the main cause of tooth decay. These bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates present in starchy and sticky foods, producing acids that attack the enamel resulting in cavities.
Rinsing and brushing after meals can help reduce acid and plaque buildup to a great extent. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly to rule out the formation of any cavities.
Myth 4: Flossing Is Not Important
Flossing like brushing is an essential part of maintaining satisfactory oral health. Flossing is an inexpensive and essential part of good oral hygiene practices. Flossing helps to remove up to 80% of plaque deposits which can promote tooth decay, if not removed.
Understandably, you may be tempted to skip flossing sometimes but it is actually one of our teeth’s primary defenses against tooth decay & gum disease.
Regular brushing cannot reach between the teeth, and without flossing, you will end up cleaning only about two-thirds of the surface area of each tooth. The bacteria left in those hard-to-reach places can cause severe issues like gum disease, decay, and pain.
Myth 5: White Teeth Are Always Healthy Teeth
Pearly white does not necessarily mean they are healthy. Cavities and infections can be present in between the pearly white teeth also. Moreover, not all teeth are always perfectly white and natural tooth color can vary from individual to individual.
However, they should be closer to white or ivory than yellow or brown. Aging can also cause discoloration and staining of the tooth but that does not necessarily imply that these teeth are unhealthy.
Dr. Sheena Gaur explains that the underlying cause of discoloration should not be left unaddressed. You must speak to your dentist if your teeth are losing their brightness and color.
Regular dental care is the best protection against tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. Maintaining healthy oral habits like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping your dental checkup appointments can go a long way in protecting your teeth and making your smile last forever.
Make sure to address early signs of dental issues. Delays will only lead to more office visits and procedures. It is always advisable to nip the problem in the bud.
At Kirkland Premier Dentistry, we believe in providing the best dental care to our patients under the able guidance of our competent doctors and a trained team.
To speak to a dentist about your oral health, or to schedule an examination, Request an appointment đŸ‘‡
