Dental myths examined
Like any area of life, the dental industry is full of fact aswell as fiction and as patients it can be hard to sometimes distinguish which is true and which is not. In our latest article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common dental statements which are believed to be true and assess whether this is actually the case.
1) The harder you brush the cleaner your teeth will be.
A) Whist this ‘sounds’ correct it is not actually true. Infact it can be the opposite – cleaning your teeth too hard can actually damage them! Hard or vigorous brushing can lead to the tooth enamel waring away. The enamel is an important component of what protects teeth so this needs to be preserved at all costs.
2) If you don’t have a dental issue you don’t need to see the dentist.
A) You’d probably think this about the doctor but it is not the same for the dentist. When dentists are not treating your problems, they are undertaking preventative work to ensure that you don’t get problems. The perfect example of this is the dental check-up and scale / polish.
Even if you are experiencing no issues, you still need to see your dentist twice a year.
3) Bleeding gums should be left alone.
A) Whilst this is partly true it is not the same as ‘bleeding gums should be ignored.’ If you notice gums bleeding, then try not to irritate them further which will cause more bleeding and more uncomfortable feelings.
The last thing you want to do is ignore bleeding gums however. Treatment should be sought at the first available opportunity to ensure that a more serious problem of gum disease doesn’t develop.
Speaking of gum disease…
4) Gum disease only impacts the mouth.
A) Studies and research have shown that patients who have gum disease are more likely to have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or other medical conditions where inflammation is a symptom. Gum disease needs to be assessed and addressed for your overall health aswell as your oral health.
5) White teeth are the sign of perfect dental health.
A) You might be surprised to know that this is not necessarily the case. Someone can have good oral health and their teeth not be white. For example certain medications can cause this, and it doesn’t mean anything is necessarily wrong. At the other end of the scale your teeth can be a ‘perfect’ white, yet you have plaque in the spaces in-between or in unseen areas.
When it comes to this, things are not always what they seem (or look like!)
6) Dental treatment is painful.
A) Today dental procedures are not like back in the 1800s! Modern day science and technology have given wonderful advances to the dental field resulting in far more comfortable procedures for patients.
7) You will lose your teeth when you get older.
A) Once again with dental advances this is now not necessarily the case. The key is looking after your teeth and addressing any problems that arise quickly.
8) Electric toothbrushes are better than manual.
A) Whilst as dentist we generally advocate and agree with this, it is not necessarily about the toothbrush itself but the way you brush your teeth. A ‘good’ toothbrush is no use if you are brushing incorrectly.
We hope this article has cleared up some common misconceptions in the dental industry. Perhaps this better informs you to improve your own dental health?
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