Busting dental myths

When it comes to the dentist, there are thousands of stories and white lies we’re told, going back to our childhood. We all remember that kid that came to school spewing horror stories of their trip to the dentist. It’s no wonder going to the dentist has such a bad rep.

So, to help you distinguish fact from fiction, we’ve put together a list of the top ten dental myths to ease any fears.

1.    The harder you brush your teeth, the cleaner they’ll be

Brushing your teeth can be like scrubbing your favourite non-stick pot or pan. The harder we scrub, the more likely we’ll damage the non-stick surface. Brushing your teeth too hard can lead to the same risks. The harder you brush, the more trauma you cause to the tooth enamel and even your gums. This can cause them to bleed or even recede.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend you brush gently – with a soft-bristled toothbrush – for two minutes, twice daily.

2.    You don’t need to floss your teeth if you brush regularly.

Flossing your teeth is not a replacement for teeth brushing, just like brushing is not a replacement for flossing. When we floss, we clear out all the debris and bacteria that hide in the hard-to-reach places – such as the gaps between your teeth – that your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing removes up to 80% of plaque, which can cause tooth decay if left alone.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend that you floss at least once a day to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy.

3. Chewing gum is a replacement for brushing teeth

We’ve all done it before: we’re running late for work, a meeting, an event, and we opt to chew a stick of gum rather than taking the two minutes to brush our teeth. While sugar-free gum can have many benefits for oral health – such as producing saliva to wash away sugar build-up on teeth – it isn’t a replacement for brushing your teeth.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend you try not to make it a habit to replace your twice-daily teeth brushing with chewing gum. Take the time to properly clean your teeth to avoid any serious issues.

4.   White teeth are healthy teeth.

We all associate a healthy smile with one that is gleaming and white and perfect. However, with all the whitening products on the market, white teeth can disguise underlying health issues that cause staining or damage.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend you book an appointment to check up on your teeth every six months to ensure your white smile is indeed a healthy smile.

5. Only sweets give you cavities

We’ve all been told that eating too many sweets will rot your teeth and, on some level, that is correct. However, it isn’t the sugar that rots your teeth, it’s the bacteria that eats the sugar. The bacteria produce an acidic compound that leads to tooth decay. Moreover, these sugars can be found in all carbohydrate-rich foods – including savoury foods.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend that you brush or rinse your teeth after meals to reduce the plaque build-up and discourage the bacteria.

6.  Gum disease only affects your mouth.

Oral conditions, such as gum disease, are often ignored until it becomes too painful. This is because most people believe that it’s isolated to the mouth. However, untreated oral diseases have been known to lead to or exacerbate other health issues. For example, gum disease has been known to increase your risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and cancer.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend you see us before any issues become too serious or visit us every six months for your regular check-up.

7. Coca-Cola can dissolve a tooth overnight

Coca-cola isn’t acidic enough to dissolve a tooth overnight but left for an extended period of time, it will erode. Similar, drinking drinks high in sugar and acidic content will lead to erosion, cavities, and tooth decay.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend that you drink sugary drinks in moderation to protect your teeth and reduce the chance of developing oral health problems.

8.  You only need to go to the dentist if you have an issue

Check-ups are designed to assess your overall oral health and identify potential issues before they become serious. Often, clients who avoid the dentist for a long time have oral issues that have either progressed to a severe issue or have gone undetected.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend that you visit us twice a year for a check-up and clean.

9. Going to the dentist is painful.

Most people afraid of the dentist are scared of the perceived pain they’ll have to ensure. We understand that a lot is going on when you come in – from loud noises to needles and sharp things in your mouth. However, check-ups are essential to your overall health, and the fear of potential pain should not deter you from check-ups.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend you discuss any fears you have with us so we can do our best to make you comfortable and reassure you.

10. The dentist is expensive

Dental procedures are often perceived as an unnecessary expense. Particularly because they can be costly. This often leads people to avoid the dentist. However, going often for a simple, inexpensive check-up can prevent costly procedures in the future.

Maidstone Dental tip:

We recommend that you come in for your twice-yearly check-up to avoid minor issues growing into something costly. You can discuss any financial issues you have with us so we can come up with a solution that you’re comfortable with.

Now that we’ve put your biggest fears to rest, don’t forget to book your check-up by clicking here or calling (03) 9317 5636

ms-admin

See Full Bio