“I don’t need to see the dentist if my teeth look and feel fine.” Sound familiar? This is actually one of the most common dental mouth myths in existence. Myths such as these have prevented patients from providing their teeth with the care they need for years, and we want to help put an end to it! For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of misconceptions about dental care that we want to put to rest:
1. “Brushing your teeth harder cleans them better.”
This is a common myth we hear circulating around dentistry, and we don’t recommend it. By brushing your teeth harder, you’re actually causing more harm to your teeth than good. The act of brushing vigorously can wear down the outer layer of your teeth—the enamel. Over time, this can lead to extreme tooth sensitivity and even cause fractures or cracks! Instead of brushing harder, brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
2. “Sugar will rot your teeth.”
This isn’t exactly the case when it comes to tooth decay. Plaque is actually the reason patients get cavities; the reason sugar is commonly associated with tooth decay is because it attracts the plaque that causes this damage. When plaque eats and breaks down these sugars, they produce acids that wear down the outer layer of your teeth, which leads to decay.
3. “Everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed at some point.”
The dental problems associated with wisdom teeth is often why dentists recommend for patients to have them extracted. When wisdom teeth finally erupt, there are some cases in which they may grow in incorrectly, causing pain. Wisdom teeth are also more likely to develop cavities compared to other teeth because they are harder to reach and clean. However, as long as you’re not experiencing any of these problems, and you’re good about your dental hygiene, there’s no need to have them removed. In fact, there are quite a few patients that end up keeping all of their wisdom teeth for a lifetime without any trouble.
4. “If I have gum disease, that means I’ll lose teeth.”
Just because you are diagnosed with having gum disease, does not mean you are guaranteed to lose teeth. In fact, if gum disease is caught early enough, the dentist can create a special treatment plan that will help control the disease and keep it from advancing further. But, by practicing regular dental habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, you can prevent gum disease from developing in the first place.
In conclusion, there are a lot of dental mouth myths out there that may be preventing patients from properly caring for their teeth. We always recommend patients to visit our office at least twice a year, so we can examine their teeth and make sure they are being well cared for and are getting the treatment they need. If it’s almost time for your regular
dental exam and cleaning, book an appointment with us today!
