Different dental myths have been around for centuries. It’s no surprise that 12% of adults say that they get anxious about going to the dentist. This fear results in people telling themselves lies to stay away from the dentist or to ease their fears. We want to clear up a few dental myths for you.
Whiter teeth mean that you have healthy teeth. This is far from true! First, teeth’s natural shade of whiteness varies from person to person. People may use a product or treatment to make their teeth look whiter, but that doesn’t improve their dental health. Although whiter teeth may give you more confidence, color does not actually contribute to the health of your teeth.
Brushing your gums is bad. Brushing your gums is actually an important part of your regular hygiene routine. Plaque can get into your gums and lead to gingivitis and even gum disease if it is not removed. Make sure that you brush your gums as well as your teeth.
Flossing is not important. This is one of the biggest myths out there in the dental world. In fact, people who do not floss are missing 33% of their mouth when they clean it. Flossing is a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to keep cavities away. Make sure you include flossing as part of your nightly routine.
Silver fillings do not need to be replaced. While this is a big debate right now, it is a myth. You need to replace your silver-colored fillings. If you are worried about this, make sure you contact your dentist to find out if your fillings need to be replaced.
The main cause of tooth decay is sugar. You probably have heard this your entire life: “Don’t eat that, it’s bad for your teeth!” Although it is true that sugar causes tooth decay, there are many other causes of tooth decay as well. We encourage you to limit your sugar intake, but it’s still important to understand that sugar is not the only cause of tooth decay.
These were just 5 dental myths that still exist today. Make sure you do not believe everything you hear or read on the internet. If you are not sure about something, feel free to give us a call, and we will be happy to clear it up for you!
