Debunking 15 Common Dental Myths

Since many people avoid going to the dentist because they are equipped with bad information, debunking 15 common dental myths is key to making a difference. Understanding which myths you might be buying into will help you have better control over your dental health.

• Myth #1: Only go to the dentist when something hurts or bothers you. While it is essential to visit a professional dentist when you notice a problem or something is hurting, it is just as important to keep up with regular visits to the dentist to minimize those problems. Not all dental issues will become noticeable right away, which means a dentist may be able to catch any issues before they cause pain or discomfort.
• Myth #2: Children with baby teeth do not need to go to the dentist. Children who do not yet have their permanent teeth should still keep regular child dentistry appointments because the state of their primary teeth will have a significant impact on the health of their adult teeth.
• Myth #3: Dental health has no impact on overall health. This is not accurate, and in fact, the state of a person’s dental health can be a key barometer of a person’s overall health. For example, a person with gum disease that progresses unchecked could find that it impacts bodily organs such as the lungs and heart.
• Myth #4: Bright teeth are healthy teeth. This is a myth thanks to one major factor: a tooth does not automatically change color because something like tooth decay is present. Conversely, some teeth can change color due to aging and it does not necessarily mean there is a problem with those particular teeth.
• Myth #5: The more vigorously teeth are brushed, the cleaner they will be. When it comes to debunking 15 common dental myths, this is one of the most believed myths. Brushing teeth harder does not make your teeth significantly whiter or cleaner than brushing them with more moderate but effective pressure. In some instances, brushing teeth harder may even cause problems such as tooth sensitivity.
• Myth #6: All toothpaste is the same. There are variations of toothpaste for a reason. Products are developed to address specific conditions such as whitening, tartar control, and even sensitivity relief. Talk with your dentist to determine which type of toothpaste is best for you.
• Myth #7: Flossing teeth is optional. Most people know the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day for good hygiene, but many don’t realize that flossing is also recommended. Damaging plaque accumulates between teeth and near the gumline, and flossing removes this plaque and food build-up, which can keep teeth healthier in between dental visits and help prevent cavities.
• Myth #8: Stop flossing if the gums bleed. This is incorrect. If a person has not flossed in months or even years, bleeding will likely occur the first several times they floss. If the gums are bleeding when flossing, it likely means they have been neglected and require better oral hygiene. If your gums bleed while flossing and you have not had regular dental visits, it can be wise to make an appointment to rule out periodontal disease.
• Myth #9: Use alcohol-based mouthwash only. The mouth (and your body) is full of bacteria, not all of which is bad. Unfortunately, the use of alcohol-based mouthwash can destroy all the bacteria in the mouth, even the good kind. Worse, using that type of mouthwash too often could lead to more problems.
• Myth #10: Sugar is the only thing that causes cavities. Although dentists do recommend that patients be mindful of their sugar intake as it can contribute to cavities, it is not the only contributing factor. Harmful bacteria in the mouth can also cause cavities, particularly when it’s combined with sugar and isn’t brushed and flossed away daily.
• Myth #11: Tooth sensitivity is caused by enamel loss. While the loss of tooth enamel may contribute to sensitive teeth, tooth sensitivity can also be caused by certain toothpastes and teeth grinding. By making regular visits to the dentist, a licensed professional can determine what is causing tooth sensitivity and advise the patient of the right treatment plan.
• Myth #12: Whitening treatments make teeth weak. When a professional whitening treatment is administered, the level of bleaching agent used is designed to be safe on a person’s tooth enamel. The same cannot always be said when it comes to using over the counter teeth whitening products.
• Myth #13: Infrequent x-rays are unhealthy. Since x-rays come with a certain degree of radiation, some patients shy away from the practice for fear it will damage their health or put them at unnecessary risk. However, dental x-rays typically utilize targeted beam of energy for a specific area to minimize exposure. Reputable dental practices also take preventative measures by asking patients to wear special, protective vest.
• Myth #14: Some dental procedures eliminate poor dental health. While fillings and crowns can be used to stop tooth decay in its tracks, it does not exempt the recipient from developing other dental health issues, such as gum disease. For this reason, even patients with crowns or fillings must still devote time to good brushing and flossing practices daily.
• Myth #15: Tooth loss runs in families. Contrary to popular belief, tooth loss is not considered to be genetic. Just because a few generations of your family lost their teeth does not mean it is a genetically related condition. Tooth loss can happen for any number of reasons, ranging from poor oral hygiene to unaddressed tooth decay to other health conditions. Ironically, it is going to the dentist on a regular basis that can keep tooth decay from progressing to the point that a tooth needs to be removed.

After debunking these 15 common dental myths, don’t let fear or apprehension hold you back from taking control or your oral health. Get started today by making an appointment with a licensed dentist and give yourself a reason to smile once again.