Unfortunately there are may dental misconceptions that people take as face value or as fact. Whether it is something as simple as making a wrong association or coming to the wrong conclusion based on something you have heard before, or something that has become popularized through marketing and other rumors, it is important to understand what is and isn’t true regarding dental health as it can have a huge impact on the future of your teeth and gums. In this article, we will discuss some of the common dental myths. If you are looking for a dentist in Chicago, give us a call to visit one of our 5 offices.
Let’s start with two myths that are on opposite sides of the same coin. There are some people who think that oral issues are 100% under your control and that brushing/flossing/diet are the only factors that affect them, while there other people who will claim that tooth loss is genetic and therefore there is nothing they can do about it. Both of these statements are wrong in their own ways. Let’s break it down.
Dental Health is 100% In My Control: We never want to understate how important dental care is. The factors you can control about your health should be controlled. This is true for all health. What we eat and drink, how often we brush and floss, and going to the dentist are all things we can do to protect our gums and teeth for years to come. However, there are factors that can’t be controlled. Genetics can play a role in your oral health just as it can in other health areas. This is why it is important to see a dentist. If your teeth are less resistant to dental decay, for example, special fluoride toothpaste might be recommended. Just like with all things in health, our bodies are unique which means they may need unique treatment and care.
Dental Health is Purely Genetic: This is a big misconception. Many people will rationalize that if their parents had a history of tooth loss or other issues, that means they are predestined for the same issues. While genetics play a role in your oral health, it is one of many factors. Genetic predisposition doesn’t mean you have to loose your teeth at a younger age. Like with any genetic predisposition, being aware of it can mean getting the unique treatment and tools necessary to prevent it from becoming an issue.
It is not. One of the most common mistakes kids and even adults make is the idea that they need to brush harder for cleaner teeth. There are a few reasons this is a bad idea and a bad practice. First and foremost, you can actually damage your tooth enamel and your gums from brushing too hard. You can also damage the toothbrush and make future cleanings less effective by wearing down the bristles. The most important elements in brushing your teeth are doing it routinely, doing it before bed (to prevent food from sitting on teeth overnight), using the right toothpaste, and doing it with the right technique. In terms of technique, you want to brush your teeth for a long enough time (2 minutes) to make sure the surfaces of your teeth are taken care of. When you are at the dentist, ask them to demonstrate the right amount of pressure when brushing. Brushing too hard can be bad for your overall oral health, and it is important that you understand how to brush.
No dentist has ever sad this. This is misconception born from a few things. First, people like to skip flossing. Second, some people think that brushing being a twice/day activity means it is twice as important as flossing. This is just not true. Flossing and brushing are doing two different things. Brushing removes food and plaque from the surface of your teeth while flossing reaches areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Skipping either means you will have less than a complete cleaning. Make sure you brush and floss every day. Otherwise you will likely develop tooth decay, and tooth decay between teeth quickly spreads to both teeth.
If you live in the Chicago area and you need to work with a dentist, please give us a call for more information. We work with patients of all ages at our dental offices in Chicago.
