Do You Believe Any of These Common Myths About Your Teeth?
It is not uncommon for a person to believe things about their oral health that are simply not true. At California Dental Group we are often informing our clients on the truth about supposed facts they have believed. Are you guilty of believing any of these myths?
Myth: Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay
The fact of the matter is that sugar does not rot your teeth directly. It is likely you have heard since you were a child that children will rot your teeth but the truth is that it does not. Does sugar encourage cavity formation? Yes, it does – but it is not the main cause of tooth decay. Think of it like this: Sugar is the food that bacteria feeds on to then rot the teeth.
Myth: It is always painful to go to the dentist
Many people assume that a visit to the dentist is necessarily going to involve pain because they had painful experiences as children, or they’ve seen pain depicted on TV. The good news is that dental technology has advanced leaps and bounds on the last few years. With techniques that do not cause pain, better analgesics to reduce sensation, it is much more comfortable to visit the dentist than it was in previous years.
Myth: Bad breath is a sure sign that you are not brushing or flossing
It is true that bad at-home oral hygiene can be a cause of bad breath but it is not the only cause. Other factors that can lead to stinky breath include illness, medication, dehydration, and even acid reflux. Of course, what you eat or drink can also impact the way your breath smells. While we always encourage regular brushing and flossing, it may not be enough to combat bad breath if the cause is something else entirely.
Myth: Teeth whitening products weaken teeth
There are many products available to whiten your teeth, from gels, pastes, and strips you can use at home to bleaching products. Many people believe that these products can actually make teeth weak. This is false. While it is true that using the wrong products, or using too much of the right products, can cause your teeth to be temporarily sensitive or irritate your gums, they will not weaken the enamel of your teeth.
Myth: Tooth decay is obvious
This myth causes real damage because patients assume that they do not need to see their dentist unless they can see that something is wrong. The fact of the matter is that by the time you can feel the pain of decay, or see it, the situation has evolved. When you visit your dentist on a regular basis, we can spot decay before it begins to cause serious issues.
If you have other questions about your teeth and want to know what is true and what is myth, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.
