When it comes to your dental health there is no shortage of advice and information out there. Plenty of it is useful and helpful and plenty of it can be completely incorrect! Today, I will be busting some of the most common myths I hear regarding our dental health.
My Teeth Are Fine Because They Don’t Hurt
Incorrect! Most often, early stages of dental disease do not cause discomfort at all. This is exactly when you would want to detect the problem though as treatment in the early stages is less invasive, simple to treat and less costly! If you get to the stage where the tooth is starting to cause discomfort or bad pain, this usually means the disease/decay has reached the nerve area of the tooth. This means more invasive, costly procedures to save the tooth or the possibility of losing the tooth all together.
Hard Brushes Clean the Teeth Much Better
Often people believe that a hard bristle brush used with lots of pressure will clean teeth better. This is incorrect! Hard toothbrushes can be very damaging to the gums and can cause gum recession and abrasion to the tooth enamel. Soft toothbrushes are recommended, using gentle circular motions for the most affective clean. It is not about force, it’s all about the correct technique!
Sugar is the Only Cause of Tooth Decay
Although sugary foods and drinks do contribute to decay causing bacteria, they are not the only foods to look out for. Acidic foods/drinks, dry mouth and poor dental hygiene are also major contributors to dental decay.
Whitening your Teeth Causes Damage
Whitening your teeth with a professional whitening agent and under the instruction of your dental professional is very safe and effective. It is not going to damage your teeth if done correctly. Avoid over the counter whitening systems as they can be abrasive. It is also important to ensure your teeth and gums are in good shape before starting the whitening process.
Don’t worry about baby Teeth – They’ll fall out anyway
Incorrect! it is most important that we take care of our younger patient’s baby teeth. Baby teeth play a vital role is speech development, nutrition and providing space for the adult teeth to erupt. If baby teeth are neglected, it can cause long term issues.
Overall, seeing your dentist for regular checkups, good hygiene and diet all help play a role is maintaining healthy smile. It is always best for your dental team to answer any questions you may have to ensure you’re getting the right advice!
