Dental Myths Debunked

Each day we absorb information which is either true or false through advertisements or through conversation with peers which ultimately helps us form our opinions. While there are many myths about dental hygiene and overall health, many of these myths are far from true. Here are a few dental myths debunked.

Dental Myth 1:

Chewing sugarless gum can replace brushing your teeth.
Fact:
The benefits of chewing gum for dental hygiene are small. Chewing gum may clean your teeth slightly, but it is important to properly brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque.

Dental Myth 2:

There is no need to see a dentist if your teeth don’t hurt and your gums don’t bleed.
Fact:
It is important to see your dentist every six months to search for potential ailments such as tiny cavities or declining gum health to catch and treat conditions in their early stages before they become severe.

Dental Myth 3:

Caring for your children’s baby teeth isn’t important because they are going to fall out anyway.
Fact:
It is just as important to care for baby teeth as adult teeth. Baby teeth can decay and cause pain or even gum diseases if they aren’t cared for properly. Baby teeth may fall out too early if they are neglected, ultimately making it difficult to eat, and increasing risks of infections. It is also important to teach your children the fundamentals of proper oral hygiene when they are young to build the foundation for good lifelong habits.

Dental Myth 4:

Bleeding gums shouldn’t be of much concern because you may be brushing too hard.
Fact:
While brushing your teeth too hard may cause occasional bleeding, it usually isn’t the case. Promptly schedule an appointment to see your dentist if you notice your gums bleeding. Bleeding gums are a common indicator of gum disease.

Dental Myth 5:

Genetics dictate the overall health of your teeth.
Fact:
There is always a chance for poor dental health no matter if your parents have had good or bad dental health throughout their lives. The health of your teeth and gums comes down to your actions. Properly brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth and gums are in good health, and are properly treated if any negative condition develops.
The amount of dental myths which have been passed on between people for years are nearly endless. Speak to your dentist about any questions you may have regarding dental myths or about your overall dental health.

Mouthwash Myths, Busted!

How much do you know about mouthwashes? Sure, when you need a quick breath fix, it gets the job done. But what else are there to know about mouthwashes? Read on, and you might get some interesting know-hows about it.

Myth 1: All Mouthwashes are Alike

They are not at all the same. Similar to toothpastes, mouthwashes has specificities. In general, certain types are cosmetic, others are therapeutic. While cosmetic mouth rinses promises to temporarily reduce bad breath, lessen the bacteria in your mouth and loosen bits of food stuck between the teeth; therapeutic mouth rinses, on the other hand, fights against cavities and reduce plaque.

Myth 2: Mouthwashes are Harmless

As earlier mentioned, there are various types of mouthwash. Some are natural and therefore, are more likely harmless. But check the ingredient label to be sure. Some natural and alcohol-free mouthwashes include some essential oils which may cause side effects like teeth stain, a burning sensation in your mouth, or a temporary altered sense of taste depending on the person using it.
Also, there are many rinses contain high alcohol levels which cause your mouth to dry leading to irritated oral tissues and, as ironic as it may sound, bad breath.

Myth 3: A Quick Rinse Will Do

Swishing your mouth for a few quick seconds is not going to work. Try sticking to the time limit directed on the instruction label. Most mouthwashes take effect when in contact with your mouth for 30 seconds. So if you want to get results, brace yourself from the stings and hold on to the time limit.

Myth 4: Mouthwash is the same as Brushing

Though mouthwashes can reduce the amount of bacteria present in your mouth, it is just not the same with thorough cleaning and brushing. Mouthwash is merely an add-on. Regular brushing and flossing would still make a better job preventing plaque than rinsing with mouthwash alone. But doing all three practices can greatly improve your oral hygiene keeping any dental issues at bay.

Myth 5: Mouthwashes are Permanent Fixes for Halitosis

Mouthwashes may mask your rancid breath for a short period of time, but they can never cure halitosis. Mouthwash only works as a quick breath freshener. If your stinky breath does not go away no matter what oral care routine you do, then you are better off consulting a dentist in Scottsdale for further evaluation of your case.

7 Myths about Cavities, Debunked!

How much about cavities do you know? Read on about cavity fallacies and find out whether you’re clued in or not.

Myth #1: Children are more prone to getting cavities than adults

Whether it’s a child or an adult, no one is really safe from cavities. However, contrary to popular belief, there has actually been an increase in cavities in adults. We all know children love their sweets and junk food. But with fluoride-containing toothpaste or water, prudent use of sealants, and preventative care, tooth decay in children has been reduced.
In addition, older people take certain medications, which may reduce saliva and dry the mouth. The absence of saliva can then cause tooth decay because nothing is neutralizing the acids in, and washing the bacteria away from the mouth.

Myth #2: Placing an aspirin next to a tooth will help toothache

Placing an aspirin beside a tooth will not alleviate toothache. Doing so will only burn your gum tissue and will only cause abscesses because aspirins are acidic. To relieve the pain, swallow the aspirin.

Myth #3: Fillings eventually need to be replaced

Not entirely true. Unless your composite or amalgam filling breaks down, cavity forms around it, or it gets fractured, then you may be able to keep your filling for life—assuming that your oral hygiene habits are excellent. Brushing should be done for not less than twice each day, while flossing should be done once daily to prevent tooth decay and filling replacement.

Myth #4: You will definitely know if you have cavity

Typically, tooth decays do not show symptoms until they get severe. When the tooth decay is advanced it causes pain because of the damaged nerve in your teeth.
If you want to keep cavities and tooth decay at bay, make sure to have regular dental check-ups with your Scottsdale cosmetic dentist. A periodical visit to the dentist will prevent further complications.

Myth #5: Tooth sensitivity equals to tooth decay

This is not necessarily true. Sensitive teeth may mean you have other problems such as gum recession or teeth hypersensitivity. Brushing the wrong way could also be the culprit as this can wear away the enamel of your teeth. In addition to gum problems and brushing, a broken or cracked tooth can cause sensitivity, as well.

Myth #6: Cavities are solely to blame for root canal treatments

While it is true that untreated cavities may lead to nerve damage, it is not the prime reason for root canal treatments. Damaged nerve inside a tooth can be a result of a number of causes such as fractures, cracks, and teeth grinding and clenching. These traumatize the tooth severely enough for it to undergo root canal treatments.

Myth #7: Cavities in baby teeth shouldn’t be a concern

Cavities, whether in baby teeth or adult teeth, should be everybody’s concern. Although baby teeth are not permanent, that does not necessarily mean that they have to be neglected. Untreated cavities can cause awful pain and mouth ulcers. If your child is developing signs of cavities, call your Scottsdale cosmetic dentist for a check-up.