People have unique dental care needs, so there’s no one-size-fits-all oral health solution. There are a lot of free resources about dental care, so be cautious of what you listen to or believe. The best people to talk to for a professional opinion are dental professionals. 

Here are some common myths about dental care: 

1. You should go to the dentist only if your teeth hurt. 

Dental visits must be done routinely, or every 6 months for most people. The frequency of your recommended dental visits can increase depending on your oral and general health. 

These appointments allow your dentist and hygienist to monitor your mouth, spot any irregularities, and provide necessary treatments before issues progress. 

2. Brushing harder cleans the teeth better. 

Contrary to what others may think, aggressive brushing doesn’t clean the mouth better. Brushing too hard can be harmful, as it strips away the enamel, or the protective layer of the teeth. 

Brushing right after eating makes the enamel even more vulnerable to erosion. Instead of brushing harder, switch to a soft-bristled brush and ensure you are following proper brushing techniques. 

Your dental hygienist can show you how to brush your teeth properly. 

3. Flossing isn’t necessary. 

Flossing removes debris from hard-to-reach areas that a toothbrush cannot access. Leaving these deposits in your mouth can increase your risk of developing tartar and gum disease. 

Harmful bacteria feed on food deposits and produce acids that wear down the enamel. Flossing makes your dental hygiene routine at home more effective. It’s the perfect supplement for daily brushing. 

4. Sugar causes cavities. 

People often warn against consuming anything sugary because it results in cavities. 

But sugar, per se, isn’t the culprit. It’s the harmful bacteria that linger in the mouth and feast on sugary and starchy food deposits. As a result, these bacteria produce acids that eat away at the enamel. 

Moderating or limiting your intake of sugary foods may mean nothing without a solid dental hygiene routine.

5. Pregnant women must not see the dentist. 

Expecting women may hesitate to visit the dentist because common dental myths say it’s dangerous. However, pregnant women need regular dental appointments because their risk of developing dental problems can increase during this phase in their lives. 

Hormonal imbalances can make them more susceptible to gum disease. If you’re expecting or planning to get pregnant, inform your dentist so they can give you the extra care and attention you need. 

They can guide you about which dental treatments are necessary and which ones can wait until after delivery. They’ll only request X-rays when needed and take precautions to protect you and your fetus. 

6. Baby teeth aren’t important. 

Baby teeth matter because they save space for adult teeth. They guide the adult teeth once they’re ready to erupt and ensure they come to their ideal position. 

Premature loss of baby teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift and result in partial eruption or impacted adult teeth. 

Baby teeth also aid in proper chewing and speech development. Children may struggle to pronounce certain sounds or words and feel self-conscious if they have missing or misaligned teeth.

7. White teeth are healthy. 

Although white teeth can look attractive, they aren’t a reliable indicator of dental health. White marks on the teeth can be a sign of a dental problem called “fluorosis,” which occurs due to excessive fluoride consumption. 

In addition, not everyone is born with that brilliant smile. There are options to lighten the shade of teeth at the dental office, but first, your oral health has to be in good condition. Discoloration occurs for various reasons, such as genetic factors.

8. Oral health isn’t connected to the body. 

Good oral health is critical to maintaining well-being. The mouth shouldn’t be treated separately from the body. 

Harmful bacteria in the mouth can find their way to other body parts and cause problems. That’s why it’s essential for those diagnosed with medical conditions to have regular dental visits. 

While further studies are needed to explore the relationship of oral health with health conditions, it isn’t a secret that a severe toothache can interfere with a person’s daily functions and activities.

Routine Dental Checkups Shed Light on Common Misconceptions About Dental Care

Look into facts about dental care so you can protect your smile better. 

Being proactive about your oral health can save you a ton of dental visits in the long run. You may not think much about seeing the dentist when making plans for the year, but prioritizing dental care will allow you to focus better on the rest of your goals. 

Dental problems can be inconvenient, but the good news is they can be prevented. If you need to see the dentist at Pinehurst or Woodlands, TX, contact Happy Sapiens Dental at (281) 356-3351 or (281) 367-3685, respectively. You can also leave us a message and one of our team members will get in touch with you shortly.

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