There are many myths about good dental care. Some false beliefs are even passed down from parents to children. As a result, children
have digested these myths and circulated it in their consciousness.
Here are common myths:
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“If your teeth seem to look okay, then, you do not need to visit your dentist.”
This belief is false. There are a lot of dental problems that cannot be seen by the naked eye. These include: periodontal or gum disease, minute cracks or fractures, small cavities and some root infections are just few examples of unseen dental problems. When you go to your dentist, he or she will utilize the use of dental x-rays and other devices to detect such problems. Dental visit is not only done for curing and treating dental problems. It is more of a preventive measure to keep teeth and gums healthy.
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“Having strong teeth is in your family’s genes. So, you do not have to worry about having dental checkups.”
Genetics plays a small part on your teeth’s composition. However, proper oral hygiene plays a major role in how healthy your teeth and gums are. Regular brushing and flossing coupled with professional cleanings can help keep your teeth for a life time.
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“You do not have to brush after eating, chewing gum works just the same.”
Actually, it is the saliva produced from chewing a gum that helps your mouth clean, not the chewing gum itself. Saliva has an innate bacterial-fighting enzyme which your body produces to keep you from having cavities. It washes away food debris to some degree. However, saliva alone cannot be a replacement to brushing and flossing. Saliva cannot remove the sticky plaque on the surfaces of your teeth or completely remove food debris. If you are in a place where you don’t have access to a toothbrush, then the next best option is chewing gum.
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“If your gums are bleeding, you have to skip brushing.”
Bleeding Gums
Brushing too strongly can hurt gingiva and cause bleeding. However, the main reason for bleeding gums is gum disease. Generally, bacterial infection causes gum bleeding. First try using a soft bristled toothbrush, but it is imperative to see your dentist as well to determine whether you have gum disease.
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“Aspirin placed directly on the toothache can alleviate the pain.”
Aspirin is a drug with chemical composition. You may suffer additional pain due to chemical burn of your. Seek your dentist’s help instead.
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“Do not get dental treatment if you are pregnant.”
There are dental procedures that are not advisable for pregnant women. These are complicated things like dental surgeries and X-rays. However, thorough cleaning is actually a must when you are pregnant. Sometimes you may even need it more often during pregnancies because of the hormonal changes. Also routine dental treatments are usually ok as well. Typically, your dentist will get a medical release from your doctor if you need any treatment other than a cleaning.
Myths and hearsays are rampant in any aspects of life. By consulting the right persons, you will have the facts rather than fiction. Your oral health and dental health is very important not just for the health of your mouth but also the well-being of your entire body. Remember, your mouth effects your body and there is a strong correlation between gum disease and the bacteria in the mouth and diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
By: Ladan Zinati
Daniel Raskin
April 3, 2013Honestly, I found this article to be very helpful. I was always a strong believer that dental health is strongly connected to overall health and this article verified my thinking!
Paul Cook
April 4, 2013I couldn’t agree more with the vital information in this article. Myths and distortion of fact from well meaning parents handed down to their children is a great detriment and with the advent and proliferation of true knowledge like in this article will help many people become much more enlightened and have a healthier future. Healthy teeth and gums equals less problems with overall vitality and proper biological functioning of the body proper.
Ashley
April 4, 2013Dental health is so very important. Thanks for clearing up the facts from the fiction.
Jenny
April 4, 2013Wow this article opened my eyes. I really dont see the dentist as much as I should and I’m going to change that. It was interesting to read about the chewing gum section, I had no idea that saliva could help clean your teeth. Im going to bring a pack of gum with me when I dont have a toothbrush handy!
admin
April 10, 2013Jenny, just make sure it’s sugarless gum!
MeganD
April 7, 2013This is extremely helpful. I was wondering about some of these things recently. I would have never expected aspirin to be able to cause a chemical burn.
ThatManDave
April 15, 2013I had no idea that there were such a variety of diseases undetectable to the naked eye! Although I can see a woman’s reasoning in not wanting to get dental work done while pregnant, less chemicals would probably be in the child’s best interest.
Ohzoh
April 16, 2013Interesting and helpful read. It’s ridiculous how easily misconceptions like these can propagate, even my grandmother used to think that old Aspirin trick was a quick fix for toothaches. Thanks for this!
admin
April 21, 2013You are very welcome!
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zayxm
June 30, 2013well it is good to know that chewing gum is the next best option to toothbrush. thanks a lot
admin
June 30, 2013Zayxm, you are welcome!
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January 18, 2014[…] There are many myths about good dental care. Some false beliefs are even passed down from parents to children. As a result, children have digested these myths and circulated it in their consciousness. In this post i will go over many myths such as: If your teeth seem to look okay, then, you do not need to visit your dentist- or Having strong teeth is in your family's genes. So, you do not have to worry about having dental checkups- or You do not have to brush after eating, chewing gum works just the same- or If your gums are bleeding, you have to skip brushing and many more […]
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January 20, 2014[…] There are lots of beliefs concerning excellent dental care. Some untrue beliefs are even passed down from parents to youngsters. Because of this, youngsters have digested these beliefs and spread it in their consciousness. In this blog post i will look at lots of beliefs such as: If your teeth seem to look all right, then, you do not should visit your dental expert- or Having solid teeth is in your family members's genes. So, you do not have to fret about having dental appointments- or You do not have to brush after eating, munching gum works merely the very same- or If your gums are bleeding, you have to miss brushing and lots of additional […]