Many common beliefs that people have about dental care are really “myths”. You may have heard many of these “dental myths” before, whether online, from friends and family or well-meaning acquaintances. Ideas like “brushing harder is better” or that “no pain means your teeth are fine”. Dr. Peck is here to debunk some of these false, silly, or even downright dangerous myths to help you protect your smile - and your overall health!
As long as a food or drink is “sugar-free” it’s not bad for my teeth.
“Sugar-free” candy may not be be full of sugar, but it can still affect your teeth. Many sugar-free candies contain acids for flavoring, which can erode enamel. If the candy is sticky or gummy, it can still become stuck between teeth or damage fillings or crowns. You also need to watch out for acidic foods and drinks. Although these drinks are sugar-free, they also often contain acids that can wear down your tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay and sensitivity. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating and drinking can help wash away residual acids and sugars. And whenever you can, choose water instead.
Bleeding gums aren’t a big deal.
A small amount of bleeding may not seem like a cause for concern. But, healthy gums should not bleed during regular brushing or flossing. If you are seeing blood in the sink, it could indicate:
Early-stage gingivitis: Bleeding often indicates inflammation caused by plaque buildup between teeth.
Pregnancy Gingivitis: The hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more sensitive and likely to bleed.
Poor brushing technique: Inconsistent or overly aggressive oral care can lead to sensitive, bleeding gums
Underlying health conditions: Bleeding gums can sometimes be caused by vitamin deficiencies or other systemic issues.
Medication effects: Some blood thinners may increase gum sensitivity and the likelihood of bleeding when flossing.
If my teeth don’t hurt, they are healthy.
Many serious dental issues show no symptoms in their early stages. By the time you are experiencing pain in your teeth or jaw, your dental problem could require extensive treatment, instead of the simple fix needed if caught early. A bi-annual dental exam can identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
Brushing harder is better.
Of course, you need to brush regularly to help remove plaque from your teeth. But that doesn’t mean that brushing harder is brushing better. In fact, you can actually brush so hard that you damage your gums, causing them the recede. You can even wear down tooth enamel and root surfaces, causing tooth pain and sensitivity. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush gently in a circular motion, focusing on one tooth at a time.
I can whiten my teeth at home just as well as a professional treatment (even with items from my pantry).
Some at home whitening treatments are relatively safe, if not as effective as professional whitening, but there are some trends out there that can actually damage your teeth! You may have seen videos online about using things like lemon juice and baking soda, activated charcoal, or even banana peels to whiten your teeth, but there is minimal evidence that they are effective. In fact, lemon juice and banana peels are acidic which can weaken enamel, and activated charcoal can actually remove enamel from teeth. For the best whitening results, talk to your dentist about professional whitening options that limit sensitivity and protect against enamel damage.
Dental x-rays are dangerous.
Dental x-rays are safe and are very low in radiation. The amount of exposure from a full mouth series of digital X-rays is often less than the amount of natural background radiation you are exposed to every day from your environment. At Smile New Braunfels, we use state-of-the-art digital X-ray technology that reduces radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to the old film-based systems. This technology provides instant, high-quality images that are needed for us to make an accurate diagnosis and plan your best treatment. While dental x-rays expose you to a tiny amount of radiation, the benefits of having them performed far outweigh the risks. Dental x-rays will alert your dentist of any changes in your hard and soft tissues, and help properly diagnose conditions such as gum disease, cavities, and even tumors, especially in their early stages.
You should avoid the dentist if you’re pregnant.
The increase in hormones associated with pregnancy may cause gum swelling, which can trap food and make flossing more uncomfortable, increasing the risk of gum disease. Half of women develop gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) during their pregnancy, so pregnant women should be extra vigilant about their oral health and continue with their routine dental check-ups and cleanings. If you need emergency or restorative dental work during pregnancy, those are deemed necessary to prevent potential infection. However, any cosmetic procedures, (veneers, teeth whitening, etc.), should be delayed until after the baby is born.
There is a lot of misinformation floating around about dental procedures, products, and proper oral care, so it’s important to get your info from trusted sources like the ADA, Mayo Clinic, NIH, etc. Ask your dentist if you have specific questions about your dental health, and stay up-to-date on your cleanings and exams.
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