Don't fall for dental myths! Explore top dental misconceptions debunked at Health Chakra. Elevate your oral health knowledge for a brighter smile!
Top Dental Misconceptions
There isn't just one way to achieve a happy smile. There are many different therapies that dentists and other oral healthcare experts advise for their patients, and no two patients are the same. However, there are widespread misunderstandings about oral health that circulate online or through word of mouth, and this guidance may result in oral health problems that would not otherwise occur.
This guide can help you sort through some of the most prevalent dental myths and misconceptions because dentists want you to have a healthy smile.
THE MAIN CAUSE OF CAVITIES IS SUGAR
This myth isn't entirely untrue because consuming sugary foods and beverages can definitely increase your risk of developing cavities. But deterioration isn't always brought on by sugar itself. When we eat sugar, all bacteria in our mouth feed on it and produce an acidic by-product. It is actually this bacteria and acid combination that contributes the most to cavities.
It's not just a baby tooth”
Infant’s teeth are crucial! They give permanent teeth the room they need to properly erupt from the gums and line up. Untreated cavities in baby teeth might result in tooth loss much earlier than is necessary, leaving a void. If this occurs, a dentist can create an artificial space by the means of a space maintainer while waiting for the permanent tooth to erupt, although the greatest natural space maintainers are baby teeth. Milk teeth are also essential for proper jaw-skull growth. The facial shape and features depend upon the developing dentition.
Making sure your child's teeth are as healthy as possible is crucial. If a youngster doesn't brush and floss their primary teeth, it's likely that they won't do so with their permanent teeth as they get older, which can result in more serious and expensive dental problems. So all in all, it is more than just a baby tooth, and should never be neglected.
Oral health is separate or disconnected from the whole body health
The oral cavity is the first part of the digestive system. There are many connections between your mouth and body, and your systemic (overall) health is correlated with your dental health. Bacteria are more likely to enter the circulation and create other health problems in a mouth with extensive tooth decay and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been linked in studies to a number of diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Read more in our blog post on the relationship between the heart and oral health.
Your teeth will be cleaner the harder you brush them
Many people still think that cleaning your teeth is enough to maintain good oral health. To remove as much bacteria and food debris as possible, some people also think they need to clean their teeth vigorously.
Regular brushing is a healthy oral hygiene habit, but it won't make your teeth whiter or cleaner. In fact, cleaning your teeth too vigorously increases your chance of wearing down the enamel and making your teeth more susceptible to cavities or sensitivity problems.
The teeth are not harmed by natural sugars
The idea that choosing fruit over sweets won't damage your teeth is founded on the idea that everything that appears healthy and harmless is natural. In reality, sugars derived from natural sources are not a safer substitute.
Oral bacteria are unable to distinguish between natural and refined sugar. However, because they contain a far higher concentration of sugar than fruits do, meals with added processed sugars are significantly worse for your teeth. Additionally, natural food contains a good amount of fibre, which aids the natural cleansing action
Chewing gums can replace the need to brush your teeth
The fact is that chewing gum won't make you brush your teeth any better. While chewing gum can encourage cleaner teeth for fresher breath, it cannot take the place of regular tooth brushing and flossing. Chewing gums leads to the unnecessary strengthening of the masticatory muscles. This can lead to Bruxism or teeth grinding. Chewing gum can also dislodge fillings and dental caps.
If you don't have a toothache, you shouldn't visit the dentist
The reality is that those who don't go to the dentist frequently suffer consequences for their dental health negligence. Even if everything appears to be in order, you should nevertheless schedule routine dental consultations in order to avoid dental diseases. Some issues with oral health won't be seen right away. For instance, you won't experience discomfort right away if cavities are just beginning to form. The greatest approach to keep your mouth healthy is to have dental exams every six months. This helps your dentist detect problems early and treat them before they become serious.
CONSULT YOUR DENTIST
It's crucial to remember not to take your oral health lightly. You may obtain the best guidance for maintaining a long-lasting and attractive smile by chatting with your dentist. So, contact Health Chakra for regular dental consultation!