It’s human nature to play on a broken telephone. To some extent, information and news is subject to be distorted as it’s passed along from person to person, and in many cases, popular fabrications arise which are false in nature and potentially mislead our decision making. This is especially true in information regarding something as important and personal as our dental health!- Common Dental Myths

It’s important to note that the general guidelines enforced by dental professionals regarding maintaining a healthy smile is universal to all of us, however, each smile is unique in its specific demands and what may be your reality is not the next patient. 

Any rumor or myth, especially those which make bold claims in a one size fits all approach, should be overlooked. Instead, we encourage you to claim the opportunity to speak with your dentist personally regarding any questions you may have or what you may have heard!

Let’s go over some of the typical myths which have arisen regarding dental health while debunking them in the process.

The Myths

Pregnant Women Should Avoid the Dentist

If you’re pregnant, the state of your health is no longer personal to just you, as it impacts the development of your baby as well. Pregnant women are absolutely encouraged to participate in routine dental checkups, even before getting pregnant (if possible, of course), so a dentist may accurately track the state of your oral anatomy and communicate alongside any other of your health professionals if need be.

Like most myths, this does contain a shred of reality within. Pregnant women are advised to avoid all elective procedures which aren’t deemed necessary to the function of the smile (think teeth whitening). Still, during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes which cause an excess in oral bacteria, you will require dental care more than ever! Pregnant women are encouraged to stay in contact with their dentist to keep a keen eye on their teeth, especially considering that almost half of all pregnant women will at some point develop some form of periodontal (gum) disease or gingivitis due to their pregnancy. 

It is safe and recommended for both you and your baby to perform any necessary procedures to correct your oral health, such as cavities, cleanings, tooth extraction, and even receiving anesthesia! If absolutely needed, x-rays may be safely performed as well through additional precautionary steps performed by your dentist.

The Harder You Brush…- Common Dental Myths

  There is a common misconception about tooth brushing that sounds realistic as a headline, but once we dig a bit deeper, we realize the danger this kind of myth can cause. Many of us may think that brushing our teeth in a fast and hard motion is beneficial, especially if we’re seeking to whiten up our smile in anticipation of a social event. The truth of the matter is, not only is brushing your teeth with too much pressure not effective, it can pose a serious risk to the integrity of your smile. 

Applying too much pressure when brushing, or doing it too quickly, can erode your enamel! The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, granting it its white coloured casing and with significant enough damage, it cannot repair itself over time. Additionally, brushing too aggressively can also trigger the gum tissue to recede, placing you at heightened risk for cavities and gum sensitivity. 

Similar to most aspects of life, if you seek success with your smile, it will require habitual dedication and routine commitment, not sporadic bursts of applied pressure. Your smile will progress into a healthier state over time when you adopt a frequent brushing and flossing regimen, as well as participate in your semi annual checkups!

No Sweets, No Cavities- Common Dental Myths

Okay, we know what you’re thinking- what gives with this one? You’re right to assume that sweets like candies and fruit juices do indeed cause cavities, as the acidic qualities in the sugar are bound to eat away at the enamel of your teeth. However, this common myth leaves out the vast array of other substances which are equally as dangerous if not consumed in moderation!

Cavities occur when bacteria build up (or plaque), and are not removed in a frequent and effective manner. Or, if the recommended benchmark for brushing and flossing cannot keep up with the amount of tooth threatening food and drink you consume. Sugary sweets in excess are dangerous, however so are other acidic substances like alcohol, soft drinks, pickles, citrus fruits, coffee, tea, and so on.  Not to mention tabaco- simply avoid it in all forms at all costs!

Only Visit the Dentist When You Think It’s Time

It cannot be stressed enough how crucial a dental professional is to securing the health of your smile. Not only do dentists rectify and remedy issues unique to our smiles through specialized knowledge and technology only they have access to, their purpose reaches far beyond that. The preventative nature of checkups is their main purpose; meaning that when you participate in routine checkups, a dentist can ensure your teeth are on the correct path and assist in preventing issues which are still right before, or early on, in development before more drastic measures are demanded. 

Understandably, many patients have busy lives and congested schedules. In contrast, when focusing on the significance of your oral health, you’ll realize that the minor inconvenience of setting aside time (and even money), in the present, will inevitably prevent serious events which demand more of these precious resources down the road. 

Gum Disease is a Mouth Problem Only – Common Dental Myths

Like most myths, this phrase sounds realistic at first listen, but in reality, it is far from the truth. However, assumptions like this are dangerous, and have led to many patients to avoid communication with their dental professional and unfortunately develop more dire hardships as a result. 

Periodontal (gum) disease may present itself in a variety of terms and range in severity. With the oral anatomy representing the gateway to the rest of the body, this condition can contribute to more dire health complications. Certain types of cancers, Cardiovascular issues, and even heart attack, may all be possibly linked to the onset of untreated and unattended periodontal diseases. 

Remember, these were just a few common myths which commonly circulate around society! To learn more about other common misconceptions regarding oral health, and the proper knowledge on how to not only maintain your smile’s health but optimize it too, please book a consultation with our trusted practice as soon as possible.