Common misconceptions about dental care may prevent you from seeking care when needed, which may endanger your oral health. At Carlyle Dentistry, located in Kinston, we want to debunk the following myths to ensure that you make the correct decisions about your teeth.
Myth: Sugar and sweets are the only cause of cavities.
While sugar does contribute to tooth problems, most notably decay, it is not the only cause. Cavities come from bacteria in your mouth producing acids that eliminate the minerals in the hard outer enamel of your tooth. This destruction leads to tiny holes in the enamel, which eventually grow into cavities. Causes of these bacteria include carbohydrates from bread and pasta, poor oral hygiene, and not visiting your dentist regularly. Regular daily flossing and brushing, with visits to our office for maintenance, can help prevent cavities.
Myth: You should see the dentist only if your teeth hurt.
Many oral problems, such as gum disease or cavities, don’t produce any pain in the early stages. When caught early and addressed quickly, the outcome can be handled easily with minimal discomfort. If you wait until you hurt, damage may already have been done, requiring expensive, time-consuming, and uncomfortable treatment.
Myth: Flossing is optional.
Flossing needs to be part of your daily regimen for cleaning teeth because it’s the only way to eliminate food particles that get stuck between your teeth and remove plaque that forms along your gum line and in other areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Not flossing allows bacteria to increase and produce gum disease, cavities, and other oral problems.
Myth: Hard brushing equals cleaner teeth.
Brushing hard does not equal cleaner teeth. In fact, brushing too aggressively can irritate your gums and make them bleed. Tooth enamel may also be damaged. It is better to rely on a soft-bristled toothbrush, brushing in a gentle circular motion to clean your teeth. If you use an electric toothbrush, select a brush head with soft bristles and use light pressure to enable the electric toothbrush to do most of the work.
Myth: The only way to straighten crooked teeth is with metal braces.
Metal braces are effective in straightening teeth that are crooked, crowded, or gapped. However, they can prove unsightly, particularly for teens who may lose confidence over their appearance, and because they are permanently attached, cause cleaning issues and prevent certain foods from being eaten.
However, they are not the only option for fixing your smile. Because Invisalign® consists of clear aligners to adjust your teeth, they are nearly invisible. They can also be removed at the end of the day, which allows you to clean your teeth and eat your favorite foods as usual. Learn more about Invisalign® here.
Myth: White teeth mean you have healthy teeth.
While flashing your pearly whites may show that you have healthy teeth, that is not always true. White teeth may have hidden issues that are not readily visible, such as gum disease or tooth decay. Only regular dental checkups can assess whether your teeth and gums are healthy.
Myth: Whitening toothpaste can be just as effective as professional teeth whitening.
If your teeth are slightly darker or have superficial surface stains, whitening toothpaste can have a positive effect. However, if your teeth are yellowing or have deep discoloration, professional teeth whitening can produce a brighter shine that lasts for a long time. This dramatic change in color is because dentists use stronger agents that go deeper into the enamel.
Myth: Baby teeth can be ignored because they eventually fall out.
Baby teeth are equally as important to children as permanent teeth are to adults because the former are needed for eating and learning how to chew and swallow food. Their correct positioning helps with learning proper pronunciation and speech. They act as placeholders for adult teeth and can affect a child’s self-esteem if they are crooked or unattractive.
Myth: Because tooth loss is genetic, you can’t do anything about it.
Genetics has nothing to do with tooth loss. The main reason you lose your teeth is due to casual care and cavities, which you can avoid with proper oral maintenance and regular dental visits.
Myth: You should avoid the dentist while you are pregnant.
Pregnancy produces hormones that may increase the risk of gum disease, which is why about 50 percent of women develop gingivitis (early gum disease) at some time during pregnancy. It is important that if you’re pregnant, you be extra careful about your oral health and visit the dentist regularly. Cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening and veneers, should be postponed until after the baby is born.
At Carlyle Dentistry, we welcome your questions about truth and myth in dental care. Stay informed, check back here often, and let us help you keep a healthy and beautiful smile.