11 Common Dental Myths and Misconceptions to be Aware Of!
Knowing how to best care for and maintain your teeth and gums can help prevent several dental issues in the long term. It’s safe to say that knowledge is power and while there are so many dental myths and misconceptions, understanding what’s true and what isn’t helps you keep your teeth in tip-top shape between dentist visits.
Some of the common dental myths and misconceptions include:
- Only Sugars Can Cause Tooth Decay
Although eating too much sugar increases your risk of tooth decay, other factors also contribute to decay. Even if you don’t consume much sugar, you can still be at risk of cavities.
Tooth decay may also result from consuming drinks or food high in carbohydrates, including starch. Our dentist in Randolph, MA, recommend you cut down on starchy foods or food that contain high amounts of sugar to care for your gums and teeth.
- White Teeth Are Healthy Teeth
Everyone wants a beautiful white smile, but a white smile doesn’t necessarily mean that you have healthy teeth. It also doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit a dentist near you for routine check-ups. Teeth color can vary; you can have white teeth and still suffer from infections, cavities, and other conditions.
- It’s Safe to Have Teeth Whitened at a Beauty Salon
Teeth whitening may leave an underlying cause of the discoloration unaddressed, so you should always visit your dentist for teeth whitening rather than visiting a beauty salon. Teeth cleaning should always be performed by a dental professional only.
- You’re Too Old for Braces
Many patients visit us at Randolph Dental Group because they are embarrassed about their uneven smiles but are against orthodontics due to their age. Although orthodontic treatment is more common for children and teens, even older adults can opt for orthodontics because they offer discrete options such as Invisalign and invisible braces.
- Brushing Harder Cleans Better
It’s counterproductive to brush harder. The harder one brushes, the more trauma their tooth enamel and gum tissue endure. In addition, it can further lead to other problems such as gum recession. So instead, you should brush for two minutes twice daily using a soft-bristled brush.
- Flossing is Not Necessary
Flossing daily helps you maintain good oral health. It removes up to 80% of plaque. Plaque promotes tooth decay but can be removed with a daily flossing routine.
- Children Don’t Need to Brush Baby Teeth
Early poor dental health can lead to lifelong complications. Parents should brush their children’s teeth twice a day as soon as they come in. Tooth decay in children might lead to health concerns long after the baby teeth are gone.
- Bleeding Gums Are Normal
Even though many adults experience some form of bleeding gums, this doesn’t mean it is normal and should be left to take care of itself.
If your gums bleed during flossing or brushing, it might be due to the inflammation of the gums. However, in many cases, it might be due to gingivitis or gum disease and excessive plaque buildup. If you notice this, visit your dentist for an exam.
- If There are No Oral Health Concerns, There’s No Need for an Exam
A dental exam is the best way to spot dental issues before they start. When problems go untreated or undetected, it becomes harder to treat when you notice them. Dental exams twice a year for kids and adults are the best way to maintain optimal oral health.
- Gum Disease is Only a Concern for the Mouth
The bacteria found in gum disease might spread to other parts of the body and affect your body’s health. For example, gum disease is linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.
- Bad Teeth and Gums Are Inherited
Even though the size, spacing, and alignment of one’s teeth are inherited, bad teeth are gums are not. It’s impossible to inherit poor gums or bad teeth as they only occur due to lifestyle factors and how well one takes care of their teeth.