5 Dental Myths You Should Stop Believing Now

There are several misconceptions about dental care lurking out there. Sadly, such dental myths can cause people to avoid going to the dentist or not take care of their teeth in a correct manner. This can lead to serious and long-term oral health issues that require costly dental procedures.

Let’s clear the air when it comes to common dental myths. Are you believing the following?

Myth #1: Brushing well and flossing before your dental appointment will make the dentist not notice that you’ve been slacking at your oral hygiene since your last visit.

It’s not that easy. When the teeth and gums don’t get properly cleaned on a daily basis, the gums will show evidence despite your last-minute efforts. The gums will likely appear red and swollen and bleed easily. In addition, the surfaces of your teeth will probably have hardened plaque, which can’t be removed with your toothbrush!

Myth #2: If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, you should back off and leave them alone.

This is a common misconception, but the opposite is actually true. If you notice that your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss, you probably need to be brushing and flossing more. As this is an early sign of gum disease (or gingivitis). A professional dental cleaning may be needed to reverse this periodontal symptom.

Myth #3: The more you brush and harder you brush, the cleaner and healthier your teeth will be.

There is such a thing as over-brushing when it comes to your teeth. Brushing too often or using an aggressive force can damage the enamel of your teeth due to the abrasive property of your toothpaste. If you need to attain that “clean teeth” feeling in between brushing sessions, try rinsing with water or chewing sugar free gum instead.

Myth #4: There’s no real need to take your child to the dentist when they have just one tooth.

The American Academy of Dentistry recommend that a child be taken to the dentist by the age of one or when the first tooth emerges, whichever comes first. There is a reason for this advice, as the first dental visit is designed to teach parents on how to care for their child’s teeth and gums and promote a healthy dental routine as they grow.

Myth #5: Dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy.

Did you know that a woman becomes at high risk for gum disease when she becomes pregnant? The increase in hormones can alter the oral environment and create pregnancy gingivitis, making regular dental checkup even more important. In fact, untreated gum disease has been linked to premature birth. Local anesthetics and X-rays are okay in certain trimesters, although they should be performed only when necessary. Professional cleanings and many basic dental procedures are not only safe, but advised during pregnancy.

What is keeping you from going to the dentist? If it is any of the above myths, you can change your perception about dental care. Schedule your visit at Mitzi Morris, DMD today – we promise a comfortable and rewarding visit!