When it comes to your dental health, don’t believe everything that you hear. Debunk dental myths that may actually cause you more harm than good, and that could contribute to long term issues with your oral health.
Uncover the truth about these seven common dental myths:
1. Baby Teeth Don’t Count
Don’t put any stock in the myth that baby teeth don’t really matter; these teeth are the ones that set the stage for the permanent teeth that will follow. Failure to care for these teeth can undermine and sabotage your adult teeth when they come in. Treat baby teeth like you would treat any tooth- see your dentist for more information.
2. Diet Soda Doesn’t Harm Teeth
Just because diet soda doesn’t contain sugar, known to cause cavities, it does contain a lot of acid which can create bacteria that lead to cavities. Soda is very acidic, and this erodes at your tooth enamel making teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to decay. Some other acidic beverages? Juices, citrus, coffee, tea, and wine, to name a few.
3. Only See a Dentist if You’re in Pain
There is an old myth that you only need to see a dentist if you are experiencing pain. The truth is, if you fail to see a dentist, you likely will experience pain- dental pain. There are preventative issues that your provider can help with that can save you a lot of grief and pain later. Failure to see a dental provider regularly may allow these issues to exacerbate, turning into costly dental problems.
4. It Doesn’t Matter When You Brush
It actually does matter what time of day that you brush. It is important to brush before bed as you don’t have the saliva production while sleeping that helps to wash away food particles during the daytime. Brushing before bed prevents these particles from turning to tartar and plaque which can then cause problems. Brushing again in the morning when you get up helps get rid of ‘morning breath’ as you begin your day.
5. Flossing Creates Gaps and Spaces
Don’t worry, flossing does not form gaps or spaces between your teeth. What flossing does is remove plaque from between teeth which, in turn, prevents decay. If you are just starting your flossing regimen, you may experience bleeding when you first floss. This should decrease with consistent care and flossing but see your dental provider if it does not.
6. Your Teeth Deteriorate with Age
Sure, your age matters when it comes to dental health but only in terms of how you take care of your teeth. Aging is not a reason for teeth to be deteriorated or decayed and if you use proper dental hygiene, your teeth in your older years will be as healthy as when you were in your 20s and 30s. If you practice bad habits, such as eating acidic foods, smoking, and not flossing, your teeth will look your age- and then some. Healthy hygiene habits throughout the lifespan ensure you will have your own teeth and smile at any age.
7. Bad Teeth Don’t Impact Overall Health and Wellness
Finally, don’t believe it when you hear that dental hygiene doesn’t impact overall health and wellness; in fact, your oral health is connected to your holistic health and all of your bodily systems. For instance, if you have advanced periodontal disease, plaque, and decay, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, traveling to other parts of the body. The repercussions may be clogged arteries, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and heart attack.
Ready to see a dentist in Mt Pleasant, SC. to learn more?
Make your appointment today and debunk some of these common dental myths. When it comes to your teeth, what you don’t know can hurt you; schedule a visit to your provider today.
