Unfortunately, some widely available information about dentistry is not factually correct and can cause unintentional oral health problems. We’ll assist you in clarifying some of the widespread myths and misunderstandings about oral health because we want you to have a beautiful smile.
- Whiter teeth are weaker teeth
It is expected that the color of our teeth may darken as we get older and expose them to foods and drinks that might cause stains. Is it true that teeth whitening treatments might damage or ruin our teeth’s enamel? Or is this a legend? It depends, is the response. Too much teeth whitening might harm your teeth and irritate your gums.
Although teeth whitening may somewhat weaken dental enamel, the impact is considered insignificant. Zoom teeth whitening and laser dentistry are two treatments that ensure teeth whitening doesn’t cause tooth enamel to erode. These treatments are available at Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN. The American Dental Association approves these teeth-whitening techniques as safe.
- In a bottle of coke, a tooth may disintegrate in 24 hours
While it is true that any drink containing sugar and acid can ruin teeth, the idea that teeth would disintegrate in coke over the course of a day is undoubtedly a dental myth.
This myth is supposed to have originated from a false remark made by a lecturer at Cornell University in 1950. According to Coca-website, Cola’s “The key to excellent dental health is to have good dental hygiene and wash your teeth frequently,” the myth that teeth dissolve in coke is untrue. Additionally, it’s crucial to consume certain meals and liquids in moderation. As per Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN, the fact is that Coke is somewhat acidic but not enough to disintegrate a tooth in a matter of hours.
- Alcohol-containing mouthwash is superior
Users of common sense should immediately raise a cautionary signal about this lie. One of the most prevalent dental fallacies is that mouthwash must include alcohol, although this is not the case. Children Dental Indianapolis IN advise using mouthwash that has no alcohol at all.
Compared to mouthwashes that include alcohol, “alcohol-free mouthwashes had a superior influence on the gloss, color, hardness, and wear of dental composite,” according to research by BioMed Research International. Alcohol-free mouthwashes have a reputation for preventing plaque and tartar accumulation, tooth decay, halitosis, dry mouth, and periodontal disease.
- Tooth loss is all about genetics
Some individuals mistakenly believe that since tooth loss runs deep in their family tree, they cannot prevent it. Losing teeth is entirely avoidable. Most of the time, dental issues, including cavities, are the main cause of tooth loss. Not your genes, but dental decay is the main reason for tooth loss.
Similarly, as per Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN, having bad teeth is not inherited. With the help of appropriate dental hygiene habits, teeth may be completely healthy. You can have healthy teeth for the rest of your life if you practice thorough brushing and flossing, frequent dental checkups, preventive dental care, and aesthetic dentistry (if necessary).
- Brushing is more important than flossing
Plaques may readily accumulate between your teeth and gum line if you neglect to floss. Your likelihood of getting cavities and gum disease rises as a result. Brushing cannot remove food particles stuck between teeth, and flossing is the only way to free them. In other words, after brushing comes flossing.
The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once daily for proper dental hygiene. To maintain excellent oral health, floss your teeth before you brush them. By doing this, you may simply remove the food scraps and detritus with your toothbrush.
- Children under two should not use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride safety for children is a hotly contested issue with diverse views. Thankfully, several facts on this subject dispel fluoride beliefs. Fluoride is an excellent addition to oral healthcare products since it can build enamel. Additionally, fluoride significantly lowers the risk of cavities by strengthening teeth against acid and tooth decay. Does this imply that fluoride is safe for young infants and toddlers?
The misuse of fluoride poses a greater risk to children than its actual usage. Dental fluorosis, a disorder brought on by excessive fluoride, may alter the color of tooth enamel. Toxic effects from consuming too much fluoride are a possibility.
Use a modest dose of fluoride for toddlers (12 to 36 months old) who have cut their first teeth. As long as parents restrict the quantity of toothpaste they use (to a pea-sized amount) and ensure their children spit and rinse their mouths properly after brushing, fluoride is safe for toddlers (12 months or older). The American Dental Association advises fluoride for both children and adults as long as it is utilized properly.
- Pregnancy prohibits seeing the dentist
One of the most widespread misconceptions regarding dental care is pregnant women shouldn’t attend the dentist. It is not a good idea to miss dental examinations at Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN because you are pregnant, and here’s why. Expectant mothers are more susceptible to gingivitis and periodontal disease due to the hormonal changes that pregnancy produces. Gingivitis, which may result in preterm deliveries, affects 40% of pregnant women. Pregnancy food cravings might also result in bad eating habits that harm your teeth. During pregnancy, morning sickness often results in vomiting, and the stomach acids destroy tooth enamel. Food cravings and morning sickness result in less cleaning of teeth and the growth of dangerous germs.
But what about exposing yourself to radiation for dental x-rays? Dental x-rays are safe since they generate little radiation, and the thick lead apron will shield you and your child from danger. Additionally, because the treatment and local anesthetics are safe, undergoing fillings and extractions is not harmful while a woman is pregnant.
- There is no need to worry about primary teeth since they are not permanent
The primary teeth have a part to play in the orientation and health of the permanent teeth. A child’s permanent teeth may not erupt correctly if they are not given the necessary dental care. This may also affect the development of a child’s speech and diet.
We hope you find this article informative; see you in the next blog post.
