Have you been told that teeth whitening is bad? Have you heard about the supposed negative effects flossing can have on your gums? There are all sorts of myths about dental health and its treatments that have fuelled the imagination of many.
While it’s true that taking care of your oral health is not all lollipops after appointments, some dental health myths need to be debunked so everyone can take better care of their dental health.
Why Myths Are Harmful
Despite the advancements in health services, some old wives’ tales regarding dentistry and dental health remain prevalent. These misconceptions are often spread on the Internet and social media platforms. When misinformation is taken as fact, public health is put at risk. Health experts are doing their best to debunk these beliefs by presenting evidence-based information.
Are the things you know about dental health myths or facts? Here are some of the most common beliefs that need to be put to rest:
Eating Too Much Sugar Causes Cavities
The Myth:
Kids are told to skip sweets because sugar causes tooth decay. For the longest time, people think that their toothache is the result of sneaking and overindulging in sugary sweets.
The Fact:
If you have a sweet tooth, you can rejoice. Eating an obscene amount of candy does not necessarily mean you will be getting a toothache in the succeeding days. Sugar will damage teeth if it stays on them for an extended period of time. When you consume sugary foods and drinks, the mouth will produce acids that will eat away the tooth enamel. If you go to bed without brushing your teeth, you give these acids a chance to damage the teeth and make it susceptible to cavities. To prevent this, brush your teeth before you sleep.
Note, however, that eating too much sugar is not good for your overall health and should be avoided.
White Teeth Are Healthy
The Myth:
The best indication for oral health is a full set of pearly whites. Because of the popularity of this notion, many people are eager to whiten their teeth.
The Fact:
Teeth stains are acquired because of the food and drinks that people consume. The colour of the teeth is not the sole indicator of oral health. While stained teeth can go hand in hand with unhealthy gums, you can also have stained teeth but have no gum infections or cavities.
In the end, your dental health care partner will assess you based on the condition of your gums and teeth and not by their colour. If having white teeth makes you happier, you can see your dentist for teeth whitening treatments.
Adults Should Not Get Braces
The Myth:
Braces are only for younger people since their teeth are easier to fix. Adults will only be wasting their money if they use braces. Since teeth will not easily shift, it will not be effective.
The Fact:
If you are an adult with crooked teeth, there is good news — you can still get braces installed to correct alignment problems. There are, in fact, an increasing number of adults who are getting braces. Braces are as effective for adults as they are for adolescents — you are never too old to have them!
Tooth Health is More Important than Gum Health
The Myth:
One misconception is the idea that if you don’t have cavities or tooth decay, your teeth are healthy.
The Fact:
Unfortunately, those who believe in this myth will neglect the health of their gums. Periodontal diseases are extremely common. According to the Canadian Dental Association, 7 out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at one point in their lives.
Gum diseases progress without any signs of pain. Most people will only realize that their periodontal health has been compromised when it is in the late stages. They will have begun to experience problems like bad breath, plaque build-up, gum recession, and tooth loss.
Pregnant Women Should Stop Visiting the Dentist
The Myth:
Dental health clinics are typically equipped with x-ray machines. Because these types of equipment emit harmful radiation that can cause problems for pregnant women, many insist that visiting the dentist is unsafe for expectant mothers.
The Fact:
It is especially important for pregnant women to see the dentist. Changes in hormones during pregnancy place expectant mothers at a higher risk of developing dental issues, like gum disease. To prevent and/or alleviate symptoms, pregnant women need to see a dental health professional.
You Can Sleep on a Toothache
The Myth:
Children and adults who experience toothache are fine as long as the pain subsides. There is no use worrying about a single episode of toothache and you can just sleep on it.
The Fact:
Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If you’re beginning to experience toothaches — no matter how short-lived — you may be dealing with a cavity that is slowly destroying your tooth. It’s best to see a dentist as soon as you can. Doing so will allow you to receive the necessary treatment before the cavity worsens and you lose your tooth.
Baby Teeth Are Not Important
The Myth:
Children will eventually get permanent teeth so their baby teeth are not at all important. Kids can be taken to the dentist once they have permanent teeth.
The Fact:
Baby teeth are as important as adult teeth. In fact, dentists recommend that children visit the dentist as early as 3 years old. Children’s baby teeth can affect the way they speak or chew. It is also worth noting that baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. Having your child’s teeth checked will allow the dentist to identify and prevent potential problems, like crookedness and overlapping. Additionally, baby teeth are not impervious to tooth decay; taking them to the dentist will ensure they do not have to deal with tooth pain.
Seniors Don’t Need to See the Dentist
The Myth:
It is natural for the elderly to experience a deterioration of their oral health so it’s no longer a necessity for them to visit the dentist.
The Fact:
Your oral health will change as you age. However, while teeth naturally degrade with time, this does not mean seniors should neglect their oral health. Having a dental routine check can save you from the dental health issues common to the elderly. Dental health services are necessary whatever the age. Some provinces in Canada take dental care for the elderly seriously and offer provisions for low-income seniors.
Misconceptions and misinformation abound, especially in the advent of technology and social media. However, it’s up to you to do your due diligence and to learn how to care for your teeth.
At Springdale Dental Centre, we are committed to educating our patients about the best practices that promote healthier teeth and gums. We also offer a wide range of services to keep your dental health in tip-top shape. Book your appointment with us by giving us a call at (905) 458-1212.
