This blog is here to help you know the truth about the dental myths you hear each day! Dental care and oral hygiene can be confusing at times, but we are happy to help you know the facts about both. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office and talk to a member of our friendly dental team!
Myth No. 1: Sugar is the only thing that causes cavities.
False: Sugar can definitely cause tooth decay, but it’s not the only thing that can do so. Acidic foods and carbs, like juice, soda, rice, potatoes, breads, fruits, and vegetables, can break down your outer shell, weaken your tooth, and make it 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 almost as important as brushing your teeth. If you do not floss, the bacteria will build up on and between your teeth and cause gum disease, pain, and tooth decay. Flossing also cleans the hard-to-reach areas of your smile that your brush cannot clean.
Myth No. 4: Brushing your bleeding gums is bad.
False: When your gums bleed, it usually means that they haven’t received enough cleaning, especially enough flossing. So, go ahead and brush your teeth and gums, even your tongue! This technique will help eliminate the plaque from your smile, and plaque tends to make your gums swell up and bleed if it’s not removed.
Myth No. 5: Placing a pain killer next to a tooth will relieve pain.
False: Pain killers help more when they are in the blood stream. It is also beneficial to swallow the pill if you have pain in the center of your tooth. If you hold the pill against your gums, it can burn and harm your gums instead of heal or relieve them.