Dental Myths Debunked: Unveiling the Truth for Better Oral Health

If you ever lose a tooth, don’t throw it away! Instead, place it under your pillow, so the tooth fairy can exchange it for a coin of gold. As an adult, you know for a fact that this is not true; however, there might be similar myths surrounding your teeth and dental health that you still believe. 

Unlike the harmless myth about the tooth fairy, these other common dental myths might harm your oral health. It is important to understand how much truth is behind these myths, if any, to not fall for such common misconceptions and maintain optimal oral health. In this blog, we will discuss and debunk 12 common myths and facts about dentistry and oral health.

Debunking Common Dental Myths and Misconceptions!

Myth 1: Brushing harder means cleaner teeth

Gently brushing your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush twice a day can actually give you better results. On the other hand, brushing your teeth vigorously can damage your teeth’s enamel and gum. Brushing your teeth with force can lead to problems, such as bleeding and receding gums, teeth sensitivity, tooth decay and cavities. 

Myth 2: You should avoid flossing if your gums bleed

A common dental misconception that you might come across is when people advise you to stop flossing if your gums bleed. Flushing is an important part of oral hygiene and helps to prevent calculus and tarter by removing plaque. One of the reasons why your gums are bleeding might be due to a lack of flossing, so you might need to floss more regularly. Other reasons behind your bleeding gums might be gingivitis or gum disease. Consult a dentist in Sunshine Coast if you are experiencing bleeding gums.

Myth 3: Sugar-free products don’t cause tooth decay

Sugar is one of the most common causes of tooth decay. Switching to sugar-free sodas, chewing gum, etc., can help, but only to an extent. There are also other types of food that can cause tooth decay. Starchy foods such as bread and potatoes can break into simple sugar in the mouth and cause tooth decay. Acidic food such as citrus fruits and soda, erodes the teeth’s enamel causing cavities. Dealing with these oral health problems is not that difficult, remember to brush twice a day and have a good diet. Have a look at this infographic about the best and worst foods for tooth decay to make informed decisions.

Myth 4: Gum disease only affects your dental health

This is one of the most common misconceptions as the gums are situated in the mouth and the connection is quite self-evident. But most people forget that the food that you eat and the water that you drink has to pass through your mouth before entering the body. Gum diseases such as periodontal disease can affect your heart health and lead to several cardiac diseases.

Myth 5: Whitening toothpaste can drastically lighten tooth colour

Teeth whitening toothpaste only removes the external stains from your teeth caused by lifestyle such as drinking caffeine and alcohol or smoking cigarettes. Because they do not affect the actual colour of your teeth, they do not lighten your tooth’s colour drastically. If you are still hesitant, you can opt for professional teeth whitening services from your dentist.

Myth 6: Once a toothache subsides, there’s no need to visit the dentist

A toothache is a sign that something is wrong with your teeth or gums. A toothache can go away naturally when the pain nerve in the tooth dies or the inflammation goes away. Even after this, the infection that caused the toothache might still be there and spread to another tooth as well. Regular dental check-ups are necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Myth 7: Baby teeth don’t require much attention as they’ll fall out anyway

A child’s teeth play an important role in their development. Poor oral health in the early years can cause many problems when they grow up such as speaking disorders and eating disorders. To learn more about oral health in babies, here are some oral health tips for babies and toddlers.

Myth 8: Oral health isn’t connected to your general health

There are many minor and major health conditions that can be traced back to poor oral health. Diseases such as dementia, respiratory infections, pregnancy complications, and cardiac diseases can be caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream through the mouth. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, finding the perfect family dentist in Sunshine Coast is crucial.

Myth 9: Chewing gum is just as good as brushing your teeth

Sugar-free chewing gum helps to create saliva which removes acids, food particles, sugar and acids from your mouth. While this is a good thing, chewing gum is simply not a viable substitute for brushing your teeth. Brushing cleans far better than chewing gum and also removes bacteria and strengthens the teeth.

Myth 10: Pregnant women should avoid dental work

Regular dental checkups are crucial for everyone’s oral health, especially for pregnant women. Dental problems can cause complications in pregnancy; hence, it is crucial to have your oral health in optimal condition. Dental procedures such as local anaesthetics and radiographs are proven to have no negative effect on pregnancy.

Myth 11: Teeth whitening damages your teeth

Teeth whitening services are conducted by professionals training dentists and are absolutely safe. The whitening strips and bleach used by dentists do not cause any harm to the enamel as they are applied in moderation. 

Myth 12: Crowns and fillings protect teeth from future decay

Dental fillings are inserted into a damaged tooth to fill a cavity. On the other hand, crowns are like a prosthetic tooth attached on top of a damaged tooth that has a filling inside. While Crowns and fillings give strength to the teeth and keep them safe from some level of decay. It is not absolute protection and might cause decay in the future if oral hygiene is not maintained.

Conclusion

When it comes to dental health, you should not trust everything you hear. Our oral health is very crucial for our well-being and linked to our general health. Our mouth is the doorway for nutrition to our body. It is also a doorway for bacteria and germs to enter our body and affect our health. 

It is crucial to maintain dental hygiene to get the most nutrition out of the food you eat. Good oral hygiene also prevents illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhoea, and heart disease. Looking for a family dentist in Sunshine Coast? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!