In the age of the internet, answers and information are just a simple search away. When it comes to dental care, there are countless misconceptions, and the information you might find online is not always accurate or current. As dental care advances and improves, you’ll want access to the treatment technology and the most up-to-date information, and you can find that with our dentist at Premier Dental Club.
In the meantime, we’re here to put five of the most common dental care myths to rest.
5 Common Dental Myths (Demystified)
1. Oral Care Is All About the Health of Your Mouth
Yes, brushing, flossing, swishing with mouthwash, and visiting the dentist regularly help to prevent dental cavities and periodontal disease from developing. However, oral care also safeguards your body’s general health and overall wellness. Dentists often say that the mouth is like a window into the body, and poor oral health tends to translate to poor general health as well.
For example, periodontal disease is linked to several serious systemic health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer, dementia, and reproductive health problems.
So, practicing good oral hygiene is also good healthcare.
2. Sugar Causes Cavities
Sugar is related to the formation of cavities, but it is not the actual cause. Instead, cavities are formed by bacteria living inside the mouth that feed on sugar. When these harmful bacteria consume sugar from the foods and drinks you eat, they produce acid as a byproduct. This acid wears away the hard outer layer of tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and eventually the formation of dental caries (cavities).
3. You Don’t Need to Visit the Dentist If You Don’t Have Any Symptoms
In dentistry, many dental concerns can be easily prevented with a combination of regular professional dental care and good oral hygiene practices at home. If you have symptoms like tooth sensitivity, toothache, bleeding gums, swollen gums, or bad breath that won’t go away, then you likely have an oral health problem that has already had time to progress.
Routine dentistry focuses on prevention, but it’s also important for early detection. Regular appointments enable us to detect the earliest signs of oral health issues such as tooth decay and gingivitis before they cause symptoms and while they can still be reversed. It’s best to visit the dentist routinely (every six months) – even if you have no symptoms – for professional teeth cleaning and a dental examination.
4. Teeth Whitening Can Hurt Your Teeth
Since teeth whitening can sometimes cause some tooth sensitivity, many incorrectly assume that whitening one’s teeth can also harm the tooth enamel. This, however, is not true. Whitening your teeth – especially with professional whitening treatments at the dentist – won’t hurt your teeth.
The only time whitening your teeth could cause damage is if you’re using a product that has not been recommended by your dentist or approved by the American Dental Association. Unapproved whitening products might contain overly abrasive materials or chemical whitening agents that could potentially harm your teeth.
5. Dentures Are Uncomfortable
Unfortunately, dentures have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable to wear and difficult to use.
Dentures, however, are actually among the most popular treatment options for replacing missing teeth, especially when a patient is missing most or all of their teeth. Dentures are effective, affordable, and non-invasive. Plus, there are several different types of dentures available, providing a variety of treatment options and potential benefits to patients.
Modern advancements in dentistry, dental appliance materials, and oral imaging, however, have completely revolutionized the way we design and manufacture dentures. As a result, dentures are custom-designed and custom-manufactured to create a perfect, comfortable fit that feels and looks natural, too.
It is normal for patients who are fitted with dentures for the first time to undergo a slight period of adjustment, as the mouth and its muscles become accustomed to wearing and using dentures. Experiencing pain or discomfort, however, is not a normal part of wearing dentures and is an indication that the individual’s dentures need to be repaired or adjusted.
Searching for a ‘Dentist Near Me’? Experience the Premier Difference With Our Cosmetic Dentist at Premier Dental Club
At Premier Dental Club, we create long-lasting relationships with patients and focus on providing, clear and accurate information at all times. Our oral care recommendations and treatment plans are based on science and leverage the most advanced treatments and techniques available in modern dentistry. We provide our patients with a superior dental care experience both in the treatments they receive and in our serene, spa-like office environment.
To learn more about your dental care and experience the premier difference, we welcome you to contact our office to request an appointment with Dr. Bethel Ozumba at Premier Dental Club.
