Despite how familiar we all are with brushing our teeth, there are still a lot of misconceptions and common myths about dental health. We’re here to dispel the rumors so your mouth can be as healthy as possible!
Common Myths About Dental Health
Dental hygiene is simple, right? Brush your teeth, visit your dentist regularly, and you’ll be fine. But the reality is only about 52% of people visit their dentist every six months. It’s all too easy to assume everything’s good because you brush twice a day; however, oral hygiene is much more complicated than that. Here are a few commonly believed myths about dental health—and what the truth really is.
White Smile = Healthy Teeth
This myth goes both ways! If your teeth are white that doesn’t mean they’re healthy, and if your teeth are faded or yellow that doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t. In fact, a lot of people opt for at-home whitening treatments to brighten their smiles instead of addressing root issues.
No Pain? No Problem
A lot of people like to think that they don’t need to pay their dentist a visit until they’re experiencing pain. And, while you definitely should see your dentist if you are feeling pain, you should be seeing them every six months regardless. Unfortunately many oral issues, like gum disease for example, are painless—meaning there could be a problem long before you experience symptoms.
Baby Teeth Will Fall Out Anyway—So Why Take Care of Them?
It’s true, baby teeth will eventually fall out! But that doesn’t mean they should be neglected. Healthy baby teeth are really important for chewing, and can lead to malnutrition if not taken care of. Not to mention that baby teeth pave the way for adult teeth! They help establish teeth placement and the development of facial bones and muscles.
Avoiding Sugar Means a Healthy Smile
While excessive sugar buildup in your mouth can cause problems, sugar isn’t the only thing you should be avoiding to keep your teeth healthy. Diet drinks or drinks with sugar alternatives are typically very acidic, which isn’t great for your mouth. Acid can eat away at your enamel and can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Bleeding Gums Are Normal
Unfortunately, just because something happens to a lot of people doesn’t mean it should! If your gums regularly bleed while brushing or flossing, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. This kind of bleeding is often caused by plaque buildup on your gumline. If you experience frequent gum bleeding, it’s time to have your dentist check it out!
Book an Appointment Today
When it comes to self-care, oral hygiene is often last on the list. But it’s crucial that you take good care of your teeth and mouth before it’s too late—and you have a serious problem on your hands. LeCroy Dental is ready to take care of you. Click here to schedule an appointment, and take charge of your oral health and hygiene today!