When it comes to ridiculous beliefs on dental hygiene and treatment, we’ve heard just about everything. However, the most dangerous ones usually aren’t quite so over the top. Unfortunately, a number of dental myths are floating around, so we are here to put an end to the misinformation. Don’t feel bad if you have believed one or more of these at some point, you’re not the only one, but do make sure to contact us at Soundview Family Dental if you have any questions or concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Dental myths abound, but Soundview Family Dental is here to debunk them.
- Bleeding gums need more brushing, not less, to combat gum disease.
- Tooth sensitivity can have various causes, including recessed gum lines, not just cavities.
- Sugar alone isn’t the main cause of cavities; frequency and duration of sugar exposure matters.
- Teeth whitening is safe and does not harm teeth, but applying aspirin directly to teeth can actually cause more pain.
1. If your gums are bleeding, don’t brush them
The idea behind this false claim is that bleeding gums need to be allowed time to heal before they should be brushed, when in fact, gums bleed because they haven’t been brushed enough! This is because bacteria buildup around and beneath the gum line has irritated the gums. If your gums are bleeding, it means you have gingivitis, or worse, advanced gum disease and you should come to see us right away.
2. Sensitive teeth are a sign of cavities
Tooth sensitivity varies among Edmonds residents. Some people have particularly sensitive teeth, and others simply have recessed gum lines, which expose tooth roots and cause sensitivity. Although tooth decay may cause sensitivity, it is not always at fault.
3. More sugar means more cavities
Tooth decay and cavities are the product of bacteria breaking down sugars into harmful acids. The amount of sugar in your mouth plays a part, but the most important factor is how long the sugar remains on your teeth. Brushing after meals or rinsing with water after eating sugary foods is a good policy.
4. Bleaching can harm or weaken teeth
Bleaching does not affect the health, integrity, or strength of teeth. In fact, teeth whitening only changes the color of teeth by removing tooth pigmentation. Some Edmonds residents may experience sensitive teeth or mild gum irritation after bleaching, but these are temporary and do not indicate that any harm has been done.
5. Applying aspirin directly to teeth helps get rid of toothaches
Do not do this! Aspirin does not work that way; it is effective only when it enters the bloodstream. Even worse, Dr. Kitts reminds us that when aspirin comes into contact with teeth, it can actually cause more pain from an acid burn. Think about it—would you rub an aspirin tablet on your back for a muscle ache? Probably not.
We are here to help
Dental myths can do serious harm when allowed to spread. At Soundview Family Dental, want everyone in Edmonds to have healthy, beautiful smiles, so please pass this information along, and let us know if you have any questions about how to properly care for your teeth.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Sources:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/problems/5-common-dental-myths5.htm
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/cavities-myths
http://www.1800dentist.com/dental-myths-separating-fact-from-fiction-finally/
