10 Dental Myths And Their Correct Explanations
- Patient: Hello doctor, I have a bad toothache today.
- Dentist: Hello, let me do a thorough examination and let you know the root cause of the problem.
- Dentist: Oh no! You seem to have a cavity in your mouth, which is causing you pain in your teeth. Also some of your other teeth also show hints of new cavity formation.
- Patient: I am shocked to hear this. I have stopped consuming sugar, and I even drink sugar-free sodas and juices. Then why did I get cavities?
- Dentist: Well, sugar is not the only cause of cavities. Also, drinking sodas increases the acidic level in the mouth, which can cause erosion of the enamel, which paves the way to sensitivity and cavities.
- Patient: Really!! I never knew this. Also, can you please shed some light on some of the common dental myths?
- Dentist: Yes, surely; here are the ten most common dental myths and their correct scientific explanation.
At Yudhisther's Dental Care, we regularly bust these myths with the correct scientific explantations. Our team of dentists have listed down the most asked dental myths and have answered the same.
Myth 1: You only need to visit the dentist if you are having a dental problem.
No, a regular checkup, even if you are not facing any teeth or gum issues, is still important. You must visit the dentist every six months so that even a small cavity would not go unnoticed, which, if left unattended, could become a major dental concern. People who eat lots of junk food, smoke, drink and have poor oral hygiene are more prone to dental issues. They should get checkups more often.
Myth 2: Brushing hard is the correct way to clean the teeth.
Brushing should be done with the correct stroke and in the right manner to make it effective. When people just brush harder, it can lead to enamel wear and tear that can, in turn, cause sensitivity and discolouration too. The gums also become prone to damage and can bleed if brushed excessively. So, use a soft-bristled brush and ask your dentist to properly explain to you the correct pressure and stroke for brushing your teeth.
Myth 3: Teeth whitening can cause damage to the enamel.
When teeth whitening is done by a professional expert with good experience, then it does not damage the enamel. The dental experts at Yudhisther’s Dental Care use quality and safe concentrations of whitening agents which does not cause harm. The procedure is done after a thorough examination of the patient's dental health to provide the proper treatment. There are many home DIY dental whitening products in the market as well which should not be overused and used with caution.
Myth 4: Cavities occur only due to the consumption of sugar.
Yes, it is true that consuming excess sugar does contribute to cavity formation in the mouth, but it is not the only deciding factor. The bacteria eat the food, which becomes higher when we eat sticky food, sugary items and carbohydrates. That is why it is important to have good oral hygiene and rinse the mouth after every meal.
Myth 5: Since baby teeth are bound to fall, they do not need care.
It is true that baby teeth will fall out, but before they fall out and are replaced with adult teeth for the rest of our lives, they play a crucial role, too. Chewing, speech development and facial structure are some of the driving factors that are required for a child’s healthy development. Also, if baby teeth are not properly taken care of, it can lead to numerous oral health issues that can have an indirect effect on the adult teeth.
Myth 6: Braces are only required for enhancing looks and for cosmetic purposes.
Although it is true that braces help in enhancing the overall appearance and straightening the teeth, they also have a big role in other areas as well. Firstly, they correct the bite, which can cause speech impairment and issues while eating. Secondly, braces help to fix misaligned teeth and jaw alignment problems as well. This enables better oral health and also prevents issues like tooth decay and other gum diseases.
Myth 7: There is no need to floss when I am brushing properly.
Flossing is a very important tool that should be performed twice a day for a healthy and dazzling smile. Flossing before brushing can help to lose the plaque and bacteria stuck in between the teeth. With this, the fluoride from the toothpaste can have better retention between the teeth, making them stronger. With brushing and rinsing, even more bacteria and plaque gets removed from the teeth for a squeaky-clean interdental experience.
Myth 8: White teeth are the sole indicator of healthy teeth.
Though having white teeth is a very good sign that demonstrates good oral care, it doesn't mean there can't be any underlying issues. There can be plaque buildup. Cavities and even enamel erosion. That is why it is important to have dental checkups every six months from a reputed clinic like Yudhisther’s Dental Care in Paschim Vihar, Delhi.
Myth 9: Charcoal toothpaste is better than regular toothpaste.
Answer: Charcoal toothpaste is made using fine grains of wood, coconut and other ingredients, but unfortunately, the brands offering this do not have fluoride in them. Since fluoride makes teeth stronger, a toothpaste containing it is always a better option. Also, since charcoal toothpaste has abrasive materials, it can wear down the tooth enamel and can even cause staining in the long run.
Myth 10: Gum disease is not a serious issue as it is concerned only with the mouth.
No, this myth can lead to major health concerns, as gum disease (Periodontitis), if left untreated, can make the bacteria spread to other body parts. Also, a study conducted by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggested that gum disease can lead to an increase in cancer risk by 14 to 20 per cent.
Conclusion
There are tons of other dental myths out there, and through our dental blog at Yudhisther’s Dental Care’s website, our experts will be addressing the same. So make sure to always consult your dentist about any doubts regarding oral health, and do not believe any myths or old wives' tales when it comes to dental care.