As dentists, we hear all kinds of dental myths. Unfortunately, this kind of misinformation can lead to significant oral health issues. In order to provide accurate information about appropriate dental hygiene habits, we have listed 10 dental myths that need to be debunked. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any general dental health queries or concerns about dental myths.
1. You don’t need to brush your teeth if you eat healthy foods.
Thoroughly brushing your teeth at least twice a day is vital to keeping your smile healthy and sparkling. No matter how healthy your diet is, if you don’t brush your teeth, you’re at risk for cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Preferably, you should brush your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. This applies to both baby teeth and adult teeth, so please help your children to establish healthy dental hygiene habits from an early age.
2. Flossing isn’t necessary.
Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to taking care of your teeth and gums. That is why it is one of the most important dental myths to debunk. When you floss, you remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and along your gumline that your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. Both brushing and flossing need to be daily dental hygiene habits if you want to try avoid tooth decay and other dental problems.
3. Bleaching or whitening your teeth is bad for them.
Teeth whitening procedures have come a long way in recent years, and they are now very safe for your teeth. In fact, professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. This is why this is now regarded as one the current dental myths. Please contact us to schedule an appointment for a professional whitening treatment. Our teeth whitening procedures are safe, and don’t damage the tooth enamel or any other part of your teeth.
4. You should avoid going to the dentist if you’re pregnant.
This is potentially one of the more serious dental myths. Pregnant women are actually more susceptible to gum disease and other dental problems, so it’s important to see your dentist regularly during pregnancy. Your dentist can help you take care of your teeth and gums and spot any potential problems early on. In fact, visiting the dentist for professional dental care is an important part of maintaining your health while you are expecting. If you are pregnant, please contact us today for the next available consultation.
5. Mouthwash is just for freshening your breath.
This is one of the most misunderstood dental myths. Mouthwashes do more than just freshen your breath – they also help to kill bacteria and remove plaque from your teeth and gums. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help prevent cavities. This will ensure that the mouthwash will help you to avoid gum disease and maintain healthy teeth.
6. You only need to see the dentist if you’re in pain.
Regular dental checkups are important, even if you’re not experiencing any pain or other symptoms. Your dentist can spot problems early on and help you take steps to avoid more serious issues down the road. This is probably one of the most common dental myths that we encounter. Remember that seeing a dentist on a regular basis is about helping you to maintain good oral health, prevent dental issues, and to identify any dental problems early on.
7. Root canals are painful.
Modern developments have made sure this is now relegated to the category of dental myths. Root canals have come a long way in recent years, and they are now much less painful than they used to be. In fact, most people report feeling little to no pain during or after the procedure. We stay up to date with the latest developments in dental techniques and anesthetics. This means that we are able to provide all our patients with as much comfort as possible, minimizing any potential discomfort as much as we can.
8. Dental work is expensive.
While some dental procedures can be costly, there are many ways to save money on dental care. For example, many dental insurance plans cover preventive care such as teeth cleanings and checkups. And there are a number of affordable dental discount plans available that can help you save money on dental procedures. Please contact us if you would like to discuss the various payment plans that are available to you at Alex Hills Dental.
9. Only kids need braces.
Braces are not just for kids – more and more adults are choosing to get braces to correct alignment issues with their teeth. In fact, about one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. Orthodontic braces can be used to align teeth for aesthetic reasons, but we also recommend this form of treatment to correct alignment issues that are causing, or could cause, further dental health problems.
10. You don’t need to see the dentist if you have false teeth.
Whether you have false teeth or natural teeth, it’s important to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can help you keep your mouth healthy and spot any potential problems early on.
For professional dental care, please contact us to book the next available consultation.
