Myths & Facts

Do you take care of your teeth? Most of us do not brush twice daily, a basic Dental requirement. When it comes to visiting dentists, most of us shy away till it’s late. If you’re hesitating to go to the dentist, have a look at these common myths. You might just know when it’s time to knock the door of your neighbourhood dentist.

  • Fact - Unfortunately, it isn’t so. The trend to take care of your teeth that’s visible to the outside world sets a dangerous precedent, more so because your tooth acts as a whole and doesn’t differentiate like you do. Missing back tooth can lead to different problems, including incorrect spacing, gum problems, and effect tooth decay rate of teeth nearby. You need a bridge or implant in the place of the missing tooth and can even lead the enamel to wear out faster. This means that the remaining teeth becomes weaker and can be more prone to falling off, or chip and break.

  • Fact - Most of us think that we would be blessed with teeth like our parents. The truth is most dental problems are not hereditary but the result of bad habits. You need to ensure that you focus on your dental hygiene first.

  • Fact - Gum bleeding can happen because of many reasons and are never normal. Gum bleeding means that something is not as it should be. Normally, it can happen if you brushed too hard or even if there has been an inflammation of the gums. If you feel sore and if plaque is deposited at the gum line, it can cause gum bleeding too. Tartar, which the plaque turns into near the gum line if you do not take proper care of your teeth, can also lead to gum bleeding. Sometimes, gum bleeding can also happen because of other reasons, which include a blood disorder or another medical condition. You need to consult your dentist to know the cause of gum bleeding. If you brush your teeth daily, it will help you have healthy teeth and gums.

  • Fact - True, diabetes is a separate disease in itself. However, the fact is that diabetes means that you have increased sugar and the bacteria in your mouth can love sugar just as much as you do. The presence of glucose is a heaven for bacteria and can lead to a disease called gingivitis that can even lead to you losing teeth. This can also mean that controlling your blood sugar levels just becomes a lot tougher and researches have found that the arrival of diabetes often coincides with the start of a gum disease.

  • Fact - Sadly, it’s too difficult to tell. You cannot understand if you’re suffering from bad breadth easily and your dental product might just cover the smell with another one. For instance, fruity scents can cover up your bad breadth but it isn’t the solution. You need to have proper dental hygiene to combat bad breadth.

  • Fact - The fact is that the procedure of root canal is less painful than the pain you feel in your tooth when you need to have a root canal done. More, modern visits mean that the entire process can be done in as less as two visits to the doctor and can make the process less painful. The more badly the tooth’s been inflamed the more would it cause you pain.

  • Fact - On the contrary, chewing gums can be good for your dental health. This is because chewing gums helps to keep the acidity in the mouth in check and helps remove any food that’s left in the mouth. If you cannot brush on time for any reason, chewing gums can help. However, limit the amount of time you chew gums and this can put unnecessary stress on your teeth joints.

  • Fact - Unfortunately, it isn’t so. Many dental problems become visible right at the end when it’s too late to do anything. It’s important to visit your dentist periodically to ensure that you do not suffer from teeth loss or other dental diseases.

  • Fact - Most of us have it hard these days managing finances. However, neglecting your dental health to save money in the shorter run will eventually lead you to spend more in the longer run. A small cavity can be cleaned easily and is inexpensive. However, a bigger one may need expensive restoration or even root canal therapy, which is a lot more expensive.

  • Fact - The truth is, improper bites can affect your body on the whole. It can lead to loss of enamel because of unnecessary grinding and even make teeth more sensitive. Improper bites often happen due to improper tooth structure, which can be aggravated if not taken care of. It can also lead to jaw pains, which can cause indirect problems like headaches and neck problems.

  • Fact - These remedies have potential risks as well and you need to inform your dentist about them. Listing the alternative medicines you have taken will ensure that you’re treated in a safe and secure way.

  • Fact - If you love to smoke, you probably wouldn’t want to believe this but smoking can directly affect the stability of your teeth. It can lead to gum diseases, cavities and tooth loss. Smokers also have it difficult with implants and generally are the cause for periodontal diseases.

  • Fact - Oral piercings can look sexy but you need to look at the other aspect of it – infections. Piercings often result in swellings and infections and increased saliva flow in your mouth. Piercings can also interfere with the normal eating and chewing process and impact the nerve sensitivity as well. There is also the chance of developing other serious infections. If you’re looking to have an oral piercing done, it’s important to consult your neighbourhood dentist.

  • Fact - While it’s true that tobacco is the most known cause of oral cancer, you can get oral cancer even if you aren’t a smoker. This can happen if you’re addicted to alcohol or have to spend increased hours of the day in the sunlight. Your gender, ethnicity and race are other factors too that determines the probability of you having oral cancer.

  • Fact - True, wisdom teeth shouldn’t be removed unnecessarily. However, you need to get them checked and removed if needed. Your dentist can check and suggest if the wisdom teeth are partially erupted or growing in a way that can damage other teeth, in which case you need to get them removed.

  • Fact - While we all love diet sodas, and it’s true that they do not contain sugar, remember that they still have acids in them. Acids can be a primary cause of tooth decay and can dissolve the hard enamel of your teeth.

  • Fact - Dentists normally suggest braces at a younger age. However, if your teeth are seriously misaligned or there are other problems like bad bites that deserve attention, your dentist might advise you to wear braces or Invisalign even at an older age.

  • Fact - It’s a great idea to help your tiny tots be more self-reliant. However, you need to understand that children don’t develop the coordination needed for proper brushing easily. It’s advisable to supervise the brushing of your children until they are around 10 years – this ensures that they have a dental health they will be proud of later in their lives.

  • Fact - Studies indicate that tooth bleaching and whitening is absolutely safe and can help you achieve an even better smile. You can improve your dental aesthetics easily and with the right dosage and duration of this treatment, can help you achieve better-looking teeth. To ensure that you do not overuse this method as it can lead to problems like the enamel breaking down and the teeth become more porous and can severely damage your teeth.

  • Fact - While braces are a way out when it comes to improving the alignment of your teeth, there are other methods as well that include Porcelain Veneers, Bonding and Enamel Shaping. Enamel shaping, for instance, can modify the shape of the tooth while Porcelain Veneers are your choice if a tooth’s been badly decayed.

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