There is no one-size-fits-all approach for healthy teeth and gums. Dental specialists offer a wide range of therapies for their patients, and no two people are the same. While good dental health may be achieved by taking a few minutes for yourself every day, inappropriate behaviors might cause lasting damage.
There is a wealth of information accessible online about proper dental care practices. Unfortunately, there are many misunderstandings about how to care for your smile. Dental misconceptions may wreak havoc on your dental health rather than improve it. In this article, we have gathered eight common oral health myths that should be addressed ASAP.
1. The condition of the oral cavity doesn’t affect overall health
Poor dental hygiene can raise your risk of disease in other regions of your body, and it is a strong indication of general health. Moderate to severe gum disease boosts the risk of heart disease and is more common among diabetics. Bacteria and other pathogens can spread through blood flow from the mouth to other parts of the body. Moreover, bacteria that spread to the heart can cause inflammation and damage.
2. Diet drinks are healthier
Soft drinks harm your teeth not just because of the sugar, but also because of the acidity. Sugar-free fizzy beverages can cause just as much enamel erosion over time, potentially leading to increased sensitivity, cavities, or even tooth loss. Natural sugars found in some fruit juices might be just as harmful. Nothing surpasses water as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
3. Only white teeth are healthy
18-52% of people are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth. A dazzling white grin, however, is not always indicative of healthy teeth. Teeth’s natural hue varies from person to person. Instead of judging your general dental health only on the color of your teeth, dentists look for signs such as fresh breath and no cavities.
4. Dental implants cause headaches
Another common misconception is that dental implants might cause headaches or migraines. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. Headaches during a dental implant operation are a possible consequence following surgery and anesthesia. Headaches after dental implantation may also be caused by nerve damage.
5. Chewing gum is similar to brushing your teeth
Gum is not a substitute for cleaning your teeth. Some chewing gums can help keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh, and some dentists even prescribe sugar-free types to chew on instead of sweets. However, while certain chewing gums are beneficial to oral health, they are not sufficient to substitute cleaning your teeth.
6. Cavities in baby teeth are not dangerous
Even if they lose their baby teeth, children’s oral health is vital. Tooth decay and cavities can influence how adult teeth develop beneath the gums. Moreover, if children do not know how to care for their teeth when they still have baby teeth, they are unlikely to maintain healthy practices as they grow older. Therefore, encourage and teach your children to clean and floss their teeth twice a day, as recommended by a dentist.
7. Braces are only for children and teens
Although kids and teenagers are more likely to have orthodontic treatment, adults are becoming more interested in the procedure. Clear braces now provide a more discrete option for people who were unable to treat their orthodontic concerns when they were younger. Invisalign, for example, allows you to remove the aligners for eating, brushing your teeth, or special events.
8. Flossing creates gaps between your teeth
Flossing doesn’t make any gaps, it just removes food debris from between your teeth and gums and helps maintain your mouth healthy by reducing dangerous bacteria. When you first start flossing your teeth, you may have bleeding gums, but this will subside within a few weeks.
