The dental myths you hear at home, school, or work might be true, but they are most likely false, which can make things very confusing, but we are here to help you set dental myths straight! If you have any questions or if you would like to learn more, call our office today. We are more than happy to help you understand more about dental care and oral hygiene!
Myth No. 1: Sugar is the only thing that causes cavities.
False: Sugar does cause tooth decay, but there are other sources that do as well, like acidic foods and drinks and carbs. The foods and drinks that are likely to cause or promote tooth decay include: soda, juice, sweets, fruit, vegetables, bread, rice, and potatoes. Acidic foods tend to break down your tooth’s enamel, weaken the tooth, and make it more prone to decay.
Myth No. 2: Kids get more cavities than adults.
False: Kids do not get more cavities than adults, thanks to the fluoride source in tap water. On the flip side, senior citizens tend to get more cavities because of the medications they take. The medications dry out the mouth and promote decay. Without saliva, the teeth are no longer protected.
Myth No. 3: Flossing is not important.
False: Flossing is extremely important—just about as important as brushing your teeth is. Flossing cleans the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth that your brush cannot clean. It also removes the plaque from your teeth. If you do not floss, the bacteria can build up and cause oral diseases, decay, and pain.
Myth No. 4: Brushing your bleeding gums is bad.
False: If your gums are bleeding, it generally means that they are not getting the proper cleaning they need. The plaque on your teeth tends to irritate your gums and it makes them swell and bleed. So please brush your teeth, gums, and even your tongue as often as possible.
Myth No. 5: Placing a pain killer next to a tooth will relieve pain.
False: If you place a pain killer on the gums next to your tooth, it will burn and harm your gums rather than relieve your pain. Pain killers are better in the blood stream, and it is best to swallow the pill if the pain is in the nerve of the tooth.