10 Common Dental Myths Debunked

There seem to be a whole lot of things regarding dental health and care that most people believe in that aren’t actually true. Now, it would be okay if believing in such dental myths didn’t carry negative consequences, but they do. And in many cases, most people don’t even know that what they believe in and their practice is or can be detrimental to their oral health.

That being said, it’s now time that we drill out the truth and debunk these so-called dental myths that a lot of people seem to regard as the truth.

  1. Sugar is the main reason for tooth decay

While sugar certainly plays a huge role, it’s not exactly the only suspect. It’s not even the main one. Rather, the acids produced by the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouth are to blame for plaque buildup, which if left unchecked can lead to tooth decay.

  1. Your teeth are healthy as long as they’re white

While white teeth are pretty to look at, they’re not exactly an accurate barometer for one’s dental health.

The truth is, the natural color of the teeth varies from person to person and there are those with perfectly healthy teeth, but at the same time, theirs may be darker than those whose teeth aren’t as healthy.

  1. Mercury fillings pose no health risk

Majority of fillings used in many dental procedures are made out of mercury and most people don’t seem to have a problem with this. This is wrong, because mercury can leech out into the mouth and is associated with certain diseases, mainly autoimmune and chronic ones.

Those with silver fillings who suffer from bruxism, or those constantly grind their teeth, or drink carbonated beverages regularly, as well as those who chew gum are at a higher risk for developing complications resulting from mercury fillings.

  1. Milk teeth don’t really matter much

While it’s true that they do eventually fall out, the state of the milk teeth or specifically, a child’s oral health at the age of 12 is a good means of predicting the shape of their oral health later on in their life.

  1. Bleaching is bad for the teeth

In years past, bleaching was dangerous to the teeth because the materials used were acidic and would cause the premature breakdown of enamel. These days, though, the materials used are PH neutral and are safe for the teeth.

Still, it is advised to avoid using high concentrations of bleaching material too often as doing so can traumatize or shock the tooth.

  1. Brushing the gums is not advisable

The cleaner the entirety of your mouth is, the less likely there will be plaque and the higher likelihood of complications such as inflammation, gingivitis and gum disease are prevented.

This just means that you should not only brush your teeth, but also your gums and tongue as well. Though, you may want to take it easy and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and not brush as hard so as not to cause bleeding.

  1. Pregnant women should just ignore bloody gums

While there is such a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis, which may cause bleeding gums, it still is not reason enough to dismiss it.

If you’re pregnant and you find your gums suddenly bleeding, do not dismiss it and make sure to have it checked by your dentist.

  1. Flossing and rinsing are not important for good oral health

Flossing is a necessary extra step to prevent the build-up of bacteria on the teeth, mainly in the areas where brushing alone can’t reach. The same goes for rinsing.

Take note of the word “necessary”, because most people think that brushing alone is enough to maintain good oral health.

If you want your teeth to be as clean and as good-looking as it is healthy, make sure to regularly floss and rinse with mouthwash in addition to brushing your teeth.

  1. Bad breath is a sign of gum disease

While it is possible that bad breath may indicate that you have gum disease, it could be a sign of other health complications.

The best way to know is to set an appointment with your dentist and if your mouth checks out as perfectly healthy, then you may want to consult your primary physician.

Bad breath can be a sign of a number of digestive issues, such as acid reflux or bowel obstruction.

  1. Diet has no effect on oral health

Believe it or not, diet is just as important for maintaining a healthy set of pearly whites as it is for having strong, well-developed bones.

If you want to have a healthy set of teeth, practice eating right and start avoiding things that aren’t just bad for your teeth, but also bad for your overall health.

There you have it, ten commonly believed myths that are in dire need of debunking.

Remember, to avoid any oral health issues, be sure to take note of what’s said above and make your mouth health a priority. This means setting regular appointments with the dentist for checkups and professional cleaning, as well as regularly brushing, flossing and rinsing one’s teeth with mouthwash.

Be sure to make your oral health a priority, and contact Dr. Ted Haines DDS at 360-568-8577 to schedule a check-up or visit www.tedhainesdds.com to learn about the services offered by Dr. Haines and his team.

Dr. Ted Haines of Snohomish, WA proudly accepts patients from Monroe, Lake Stevens, Everett, Mill Creek, Woodinville, and surrounding areas.