What are common dentistry myths and facts?

1. Myth: Flossing can create gaps between your teeth
2. Myth: Sugar is the cause of cavities
3. Myth: It’s only a baby tooth
4. Fact: Brushing too much can harm your teeth
5. Myth: You can save money by skipping regular checkups
6. Fact: Oral health can affect overall health

There are too many misconceptions about dental health, which can lead to poor choices when it comes to oral hygiene. This can cause tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, and other health problems. That’s why if you’re curious about the topic, here are some dentistry myths and facts that you should know. Keep on reading to learn more!

Myth: Flossing Can Create Gaps Between Your Teeth

If you floss regularly, you might have heard that it could create gaps in your teeth. This information is a myth, as flossing only removes the debris that’s trapped between your teeth. Without the unwanted contaminants, the resulting space can be often mistaken as a gap.

On the contrary, not flossing regularly causes plaque buildup and is actually a major cause why gums recede and create the unwanted gaps between your teeth.

If you have small gaps between your teeth, you might find it harder to floss. Instead of the standard floss, you can consider using a floss ‘tape’ which is made of a flat material that can slide easily between your teeth.

Myth: Sugar Is the Cause of Cavities

Another common misconception is that sugar causes cavities. Because of this, you might be more inclined to consume sugar-free products such as diet soft drinks. The truth is, the sugar itself is not the main cause of your cavities.

It’s the bacteria that produce acid in your mouth whenever they feed on sugar. These acids can cause a mineral loss in your enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your tooth. Over time, this leads to a cavity. With that said, sugar-free soft drinks don’t remove the risk of tooth decay, as it’s acidic and has the same effect of dental erosion as regular soft drinks.

Myth: It’s Only a Baby Tooth

It’s common knowledge that children will only have their baby teeth until a certain age — most often 12 or 13. While this is correct, that doesn’t mean that baby teeth should be left alone until the permanent teeth push it out. If neglected, cavities in a baby tooth can cause premature tooth loss, which can result in gaps.

Neglected cavities also cause baby tooth infection that could leave a permanent discoloration on the erupting permanent teeth.

Start taking care of your child’s oral health early. Even when they still don’t have teeth, you can use a wet, soft cloth to wipe their gums and get rid of bacteria. As soon as the teeth appear, you can begin brushing twice a day.

Fact: Brushing Too Much Can Harm Your Teeth

It’s a common misconception that the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will get.  While it’s recommended to be consistent with your oral hygiene regime, it’s a fact that overdoing it can do more harm than good.

If you use an abrasive toothbrush or put too much force into brushing, you can damage the hard enamel that protects your teeth from cavities. Brushing too frequently can also wear out the enamel. Instead, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently. Twice a day will be sufficient if it’s done properly.

Myth: You Can Save Money by Skipping Regular Checkups

It’s a common practice for many to delay a dental appointment until a tooth hurts. If you wait until the problem is severe before visiting your dentist, then you might need to go through more complicated and expensive treatments.

Compared to that, visiting your dentist regularly for teeth cleanings and examinations has its benefits. They can professionally clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar that can cause problems. Other than that, your doctor can also spot early signs of a problem before it worsens, so it could be addressed immediately. This way, you won’t have to hurt your wallet with unexpected expenses in the future.

Fact: Oral Health Can Affect Overall Health

Your teeth might seem small compared to the rest of your body, but it is indeed a fact that your oral health can affect your overall health. As you already know, your mouth contains bacteria that can cause problems. With proper oral care, you can keep them under control.

But if you neglect your oral health, the bacteria can cause oral infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. For instance, if you have gum disease, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream and reach your arteries — which could lead to an increased risk of stroke and infection of the inner lining of the heart. When you neglect your oral health, you could also experience other problems such as respiratory infections, diabetic complications, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.

Key Takeaway

Not knowing what is a myth and a fact can be dangerous for your oral health. This can lead to unhealthy habits that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems.

If you have questions about oral health, you can ask our dentists here at Elevate Dental. With their extensive knowledge and experience, they can help you understand what are dentistry myths and facts. For appointments, you can contact us here or give us a call on our numbers. We have branches in Bonifacio Global City and Greenhills.