5 Dental Myths to Quit Believing

When it comes to your dental healthcare, are you able to tell fact from fiction? Over the years myths have popped up across dentistry that aren’t true, but people continue to believe. Word travels fast, and sometimes it’s not all true. It’s important to know what’s true and what’s false in the world of dentistry. Here are five dental myths and why you should quit believing them.

Myth: You only need the dentist when you’re hurting 

Fact: Regular checkups are important for your oral health

Many people want to wait to see the dentist until they’re in pain or feeling sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks. However, many dental issues take a while to develop. Due to this, problems can be attacking your mouth before you even feel pain. When you make it a point to visit your dentist one to two times a year like the American Dental Association suggests, your dentist can help catch dental problems early on. Not only will this reduce the amount of pain you feel, but it’s cheaper to treat earlier rather than later. In addition, some other medical conditions have symptoms that take place within the mouth. Your dentist will be able to spot these symptoms and best refer you to what needs to be done. 

Myth: What happens in your mouth doesn’t affect the rest of your body

Fact: Your mouth can have symptoms appear from other medical conditions 

The body and mouth go hand in hand. Oral health and your overall health are intertwined, and can affect each other accordingly. For example, the Dental Health Foundation says that sometimes infections in the body can start from bacteria in the mouth. In addition, they mention chronic conditions, like cancer and heart disease, share risk factors with oral disease.

Myth: Don’t visit the dentist while pregnant 

Fact: It’s critical you visit the dentist while pregnant 

It is completely safe to continue visiting the dentist while pregnant, and it’s a critical part of your overall health. When pregnant, the body goes through many changes. The elevated hormones can make pregnant women more susceptible to dental problems like:

• Gum disease
• Cavities
• Excess plaque 

When these problems happen during pregnancy, it is perfectly safe to have your dentist take a look and treat them. When you know you’re pregnant, make an appointment to start dental care throughout your pregnancy. It’s important to let your dentist know you’re expecting so they can take extra precautions like scheduling you for additional cleanings during your second and third trimester to prevent gingivitis.

Myth: Flossing creates spaces between the teeth

Fact: Flossing helps prevent decay between your teeth 

Flossing is an important part of your oral care routine. Flossing allows you to get in those small crevices between the teeth and remove food and debris that a toothbrush can’t. This helps keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. When partnered with brushing twice a day, flossing once a day usually does the trick. It won’t create spaces between the teeth, it just helps remove debris and more stuck in those small spaces.

Myth: Only sugar causes cavities 

Fact: Sugar doesn’t cause cavities, bacteria does

Many people believe that sugar is the sole cause of cavities and tooth decay. However, that’s not the case. Though eating or drinking sugar can cause bacteria in the mouth, it’s not the sugar that causes the cavities. Bacteria, when not cleaned off the teeth properly, can result in cavities or gum disease. If you eat or drink sugar-filled things regularly, be sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day. In addition, be sure you’re seeing your dentist twice a year. 

Communicate with Your Dentist

If you have concerns about dental myths and need help deciphering what’s fact or fiction, talk with your dentist! Learning the truth from the source can help ease many of your fears and concerns about visiting the dentist. Dentists can help answer your questions, but they won’t know what questions you have until you ask. 

Myths can spread unnecessary fear and anxiety when they’re spread. Before you pass along information to your friends and family, be sure you have the facts. 

Make an Appointment

If you’re ready to come in for a cleaning and learn more about dental facts vs. myths, make an appointment with Dr. Varley and Stonebrook Family Dental. With advanced family, cosmetic, and implant dentistry services, we’re able to help you with whatever your needs are. Our friendly staff will help answer any questions you have. Don’t believe everything you hear in the streets, go straight to the source if you have any questions. Call today: (303)-872-7907.