At Aloe Dental Wellness in Goleta, CA we notice that our clients have common misconceptions that they are not aware are dental myths. In this article, we will describe the six most common myths.
What Are Six Popular Dental Myths?
1. The Harder You Brush Your Teeth, The Better!
2. Baby Teeth Do Not Matter
3. Healthy Teeth Are White
4. Flossing Is Voluntary
5. Your Oral Health Does Not Affect The Rest Of Your Body
6. You Should Visit Your Dentist Only When Your Teeth Hurt
Myth 1: The Harder You Brush Your Teeth, The Better!
Some people think brushing harder makes a more thorough cleaning and removal of plaque, but the truth is this habit is more damaging to your teeth. Brushing too hard and too much could erode the outer surface of your teeth called enamel. Another risk is that being abrasive to your gum tissue could lead to recessed gums. Your gum tissue protects the roots of your teeth and their foundational bones. Recessed gums can create gaps that result in tooth decay.
Myth 2: Baby Teeth Do Not Matter
Many patients believe that because baby teeth are replaced with adult teeth, they do not matter. The truth is that baby teeth are crucial, and you should take your children’s dental health seriously. Baby teeth are space holders so that your child’s permanent teeth have proper space to line up and develop properly.
If your child gets a cavity in one of their baby teeth, this can result in premature tooth loss. Early tooth loss in children can cause misalignment issues in their teeth. The best way to avoid this is to prevent cavities in your children’s teeth with good daily hygiene and regular dentist’s check-ups. If your child does lose a baby tooth early, consult your dentist about an artificial space maintainer.
Myth 3: Healthy Teeth Are White
Even though white teeth are more cosmetically pleasing, they are not always healthier. A whitening treatment can make you more confident, but you still should see your dentist to ensure you do not have any cavities or gum disease.
Myth 4: Flossing Is Optional
A lot of people think brushing twice a day is enough to clean their teeth but the truth is that just brushing your teeth is only part of a good oral health routine. With dental floss, you can remove leftover food particles that could feed bacteria that cause cavities and lift out plaque from between your teeth before it hardens into tartar. You can make a difference if you floss once a day before you brush your teeth before bedtime.
Myth 5: Your Oral Health Does Not Affect The Rest Of Your Body
Keeping your smile clean and healthy has a direct impact on your entire health. Having severe tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease can result in harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream, affecting your health. Studies show a connection between gum disease and a host of health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions. So keeping your smile a top priority has a direct effect on the health of the rest of your body.
Myth 6: You Should Visit Your Dentist Only When Your Teeth Hurt
Even if you do not have pain or bleeding gums, it is vital to get professional cleanings and evaluations from your dental health professional. Aloe Dental Wellness is a women-owned practice that is glad to offer general, cosmetic, and emergency services to serve a wide variety of needs for your entire family.
Dr. Daniela Cadavid speaks Spanish and is happy to serve UCSB students and staff and surrounding communities with a brand-new office with state-of-the-art technology. Call (805)454-7727 to make an appointment for yourself, your spouse, and your children.
