Seven common dental myths and facts

1. Myth: Only sugar causes cavities.

TRUTH: Cavities occur when bacteria produce acids in the mouth which begins by any carbohydrate intake.To reduce cavities we should all practice good oral care and hygiene as well as reduce intake of refined and sugary foods.

2. Myth: Teeth cleaning or scaling weakens the teeth.

TRUTH: Scaling removes the deposits from the teeth and gums and keeps them healthy. It prevents loss of bone around the teeth, gum bleeding and reduce the problem of bad breath.

3. Myth: Any dental treatment during pregnancy is not safe.

TRUTH: Dental treatments can be done at any time during pregnancy. However the best time to perform any dental procedure is second trimester. Emergency dental treatment can be performed immediately. Regarding the dental X rays,the exposure of X rays during a dental radio graph is not sufficient to cause any harm to the growing fetus. No
such case has been reported till date but it must be done only in cases of emergency and should be avoided if possible. Cosmetic dental treatment such as teeth whitening, veneers, orthodontic treatment etc. should be postponed.

4. Myth: Children’s teeth do not need dental treatment as they have to go anyway.

TRUTH: The milk teeth in children not only help them chew but also act as space maintainers. They guide their permanent successors in proper position so children need to get regular dental check-ups and proper oral care and hygiene just like adults.

5. Myth: Have a baby = lose a tooth.

TRUTH: It’s true that a woman’s oral health is at greater risk during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can make tooth decay, infections, and gum disease more likely. That doesn’t mean you’re fated to lose a tooth! If you maintain a good oral care routine, follow a healthy diet, and keep up with your routine dental appointments, you can lessen your risk of many different dental issues.

6. Myth: White teeth are healthy teeth.

TRUTH: Although you might like the look of white teeth, they aren’t always a sign of dental health. Natural teeth colour varies in lightness, especially as we age. Just because your teeth are white doesn’t mean you can avoid visiting the dentist. You may still have cavities, infections or other oral health problems that need to be treated sooner rather
than later.

7. Myth: Whitening damages your teeth

TRUTH: Modern teeth whitening techniques are typically considered safe – as long as you have your teeth whitened professionally at a dental clinic, or you follow your dentist’s instructions when using a home whitening kit that’s appropriate for you. However, if you use a whitening product when you shouldn’t, or you don’t follow instructions properly, you can risk damaging the enamel surface of your teeth and causing harm to your oral health.