Throughout history, people have believed some pretty crazy myths about dentistry. For instance, in medieval Germany, it was thought that the only way to stop a toothache was to kiss a donkey. It was also once believed that the cure for all of your dental ills was to rub crushed worm powder or crushed lady bug juice on your gums! These myths might sound like silly superstitions to us now, but even in our more advanced era there are dental myths that persist.
Our modern dental myths might not be quite as strange as some of those from ancient times, but they can still confuse and might even prevent you from getting the dental care you need. Let’s separate fact from fiction by taking a look at eight of the most enduring modern dental myths!
Myth #1-If my teeth look fine, I don’t need to see a dentist.
Looks can be deceiving! Just as we visit our physicians regularly to make sure our bodies are functioning properly, we also need to visit the dentist at lest twice a year to have our teeth checked. Oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay can move slowly and catching them early can prevent painful and expensive problems down the road.
Myth #2-My parents have great teeth, so I always will, too.
Although genetics do play a small role in determining how healthy your teeth will be, the influence is minimal. The main key to having a healthy mouth is to take care of them yourself with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check ups.
Myth #3-Brushing my teeth more than once a day will hurt my enamel.
It is possible to do damage to your enamel if you use the wrong toothbrush or brush to hard, but otherwise this is a complete myth. Using a soft bristle toothbrush to gently clean your teeth, mouth, and gums at least twice a day will not harm your enamel in any way.
Myth #4-I don’t need to brush if I chew gum.
While sugar free gum can help clean your teeth and freshen your breath after meals, gum is no substitute for proper brushing and flossing when it comes to removing dental plaque and debris.
Myth #5-Placing aspirin next to my tooth will cure my toothache.
Although it is possible to lesson tooth pain temporarily with painkillers, there is no at home remedy that will fix the underlying cause of your dental problems. Placing an aspirin on the gums next to your tooth is also potentially dangerous, as it can lead to painful chemical burns.
Myth #6-Dental procedures are unsafe during pregnancy.
Odds are good that this myth stems from the fact that certain procedures such as x-rays and dental surgery are not advised during pregnancy. However, basic dental care such as cleanings and fillings are not dangerous to your or your unborn baby. Find out more in this article: Dental Care for Pregnant Women
Myth #7-Taking care of my child’s baby teeth isn’t really necessary.
Yes, your child will lose his or her baby teeth as time passes, but those baby teeth are paving the way for the permanent teeth to come. Neglecting to take proper care of your child’s baby teeth can cause problems with their bite and the health of the permanent teeth. It is also important to start teaching your child about good oral hygiene at the earliest possible age, since those good habits will need to last him or her a lifetime.
Myth #8-Diet soda is better for my teeth than regular soda.
We often think that sugar is the only culprit behind tooth decay, and while it is the main cause of dental problems, the acid levels of the foods we eat and drink also play a huge part in the health of our teeth. While it is true that diet soda doesn’t have the potentially damaging sugar that regular soda does, it is just as acid, and in some cases more acidic than sodas that contain sugar! When it comes to your oral health, your best bet is to just skip the soda all together.
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Have a question for Dr. Kenneth J. Wolnik about dental myths or about your oral health in general? We’re here to help! Please contact Dr. Kennth J. Wolnik online or at:
Address
6363 York Rd, Ste 202
Parma Heights, OH 44130
Phone
(440) 888-5055
(440) 888-5055
Email
[email protected]
Office Hours
Monday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 1:00pm