Your teeth aren’t only essential for eating and chewing; they also play a vital role in your overall health and appearance. In this day of infinite information online, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about teeth and how to maintain your dental health. Keep reading to get the truth about teeth as we debunk some myths.
Myth #1: Sugar is the Main Cause of Cavities
Sugar is often blamed for causing cavities, but it’s not the sole contributor. Cavities occur because of a combination of factors, including bacteria, acids, and poor dental hygiene.
Bacteria in the mouth feed on carbohydrates, including sugar and starch. The bacteria then produces acid, which erodes tooth enamel and causes cavities. Cavities aren’t just about how much sugar you eat; to prevent them, you need to brush, floss, and maintain good oral health habits in addition to watching your sugar intake.
Myth #2: Whitening Toothpaste Can Replace Professional Teeth Whitening
Whitening toothpaste can only do so much, despite what you see in advertisements. Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives to polish the teeth and remove surface stains, but they can’t do anything to dramatically change the appearance of your teeth, and their effects are often temporary.
Professional whitening treatments are the most effective way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. There are a few options available for both in-office and take-home whitening treatments. Your dentist’s office may offer in-office laser whitening services, which dramatically improve the appearance of the teeth in just one visit. You could also opt for take-home bleach trays, which can either be customized or pre-filled depending on your needs.
Myth #3: Brushing Harder Equals Cleaner Teeth
You may feel like your teeth are getting cleaner the harder you brush, but in reality, vigorous scrubbing can actually damage your teeth and gums. Excessive brushing may wear down enamel, which causes sensitivity and can even lead to gum recession.
Brush smarter instead of harder. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth gently yet effectively.
Myth #4: Baby Teeth Aren’t Important
You may think that baby teeth aren’t important because they’ll just fall out anyway, but that’s definitely a myth. Baby teeth play an essential role in children’s development. They help a child learn to speak properly, maintain space for permanent teeth to come in, and help the facial structure and jawbone develop properly. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to a number of different oral health issues that could affect a child’s overall dental health in the future.
Myth #5: If My Gums Bleed, I Should Stop Flossing
If you’re flossing your teeth and your gums start bleeding, you may think you should stop flossing. However, the opposite is true. Bleeding gums are an indicator of problems such as gum inflammation or gingivitis, which are caused by a buildup of plaque along the gumline.
In order to remove the plaque and restore proper gum health, regular flossing is essential. As time goes on, the bleeding should lessen, but if it persists, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist for a professional exam.
Myth #6: Chewing Gum Is as Good as Brushing
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which can help flush out bacteria from teeth, neutralize acids, and wash away food particles. However, gum cannot be a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing physically remove plaque from the surface of the teeth, which gum alone cannot achieve.
Myth #7: All Dental Procedures are Painful
Many people are afraid to get dental procedures done because they think it will hurt, but in reality, most procedures involve minimal pain thanks to modern dental technology. Dentists use local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort, and new dental innovations such as air abrasion and microdentistry are minimally-invasive alternatives to more traditional procedures.
All-Around Dental Care From VIP Smiles
If you want to be treated like a VIP — a very important patient — come to VIP Smiles. We offer a wide variety of dental services, including general and preventive dentistry, cosmetic procedures, orthodontics, and restorative dentistry. Our professional staff has the expertise to face any dental health challenge and take care of all of our patients’ needs, from braces and aligners to veneers to dental implants.
If you want to experience the best dental care you’ve ever received, schedule an appointment with VIP Smiles today. We can’t wait to help you achieve all your dental goals!
