Going to the Dentist maybe scary for a few of you because of what you have perceived from your family or friends. Here are some truths about the common dental myths you may have heard:
Myth: “My teeth don’t hurt, why should I go to the Dentist?”
Even if you do not have any pain, you must regularly visit your Dentist, at least every 6 months, for cleaning of your teeth and dental checkup.
Prevention is better than cure. It is always beneficial to recognize a cavity or gum disease early. The longer you wait, the more extensive and expensive treatment maybe required.
Myth: “I don’t need to brush in the morning again after I brush at night as I was only sleeping in between and didn’t eat anything”
You should brush your teeth twice a day- once in the morning and once at night before sleeping. When you eat, the food mixes with the bacteria in your mouth and forms a sticky substance called ‘plaque’ that adheres to the teeth. These bacteria release an acid by-product which dissolves the Enamel layer of the teeth and leads to cavities. At night the saliva in the mouth decreases and the acidic environment increases. It is essential to brush your teeth in the morning to eliminate that acidic layer before you eat anything.
Myth: “Getting teeth cleaned will make them loose”
There could not be a more contrary statement. If teeth are not professionally cleaned regularly, calculus or tartar builds up around them leading to inflammation or swelling of gums. This can lead to loss of bone support around teeth and that will make your teeth loose. Therefore, we recommend getting your teeth cleaned every 4-6 months to prevent progression of gum disease.
Myth: “Brushing your teeth harder makes them whiter and cleaner”
This is seen in patients all the time, where they brush harder, thinking they are cleaning them better. Vigorous brushing of your teeth can take away the outermost Enamel layer of your teeth and cause yellowing of teeth as the underlying yellow Dentin layer starts getting exposed. It also causes your gums to recede.
Correctly brushing your teeth in small circular motions twice a day can aid in the health of your teeth and gums.
Myth: “Baby teeth are not important, only when adult teeth erupt the child needs to be taken to the dentist”
We get two sets of teeth in our lifetime. The first set are our baby teeth and the second set are permanent/ adult teeth. As soon as a child gets their baby teeth, they should be regularly evaluated by a dentist. This helps in identifying cavities early and preventing any damage to the developing permanent tooth below the gum. It also keeps the child eating comfortably and thereby maintain general good health.
Myth: “Going to the dentist should be avoided during pregnancy”
There are hormonal changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy. This can also affect the oral cavity/ mouth. It is important to get your dental checkup during pregnancy to avoid gum disease like bleeding gums and other oral conditions which may lead to injury to the developing fetus.
Myth: “Bleaching/ teeth whitening can weaken teeth”
Lot of people believe that teeth whitening damages teeth. This misconception may arise due to sensitivity the patient feels after teeth bleaching which is mostly short lived. Bleaching leads to whiter teeth and a more attractive smile.
Myth: “Dental diseases are limited to the mouth”
It is very rightly said; the mouth is the gateway to the whole body. Several research studies have established a connection between oral health and systemic health. Research has found a link between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, bacterial pneumonia, preterm births etc. The systemic disease like Diabetes can have an effect on your gums and cause gum disease, dry mouth and infection. The bacteria from the mouth known to cause gum disease and cavities can travel through the bloodstream to your heart and cause adverse effects. Thus, keep your mouth healthy and your body will follow.
Author: Dr. Minaal Verma (DDS, BDS, MDS)
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at dentaloptima@gmail.com or call us at
+91-11-22413333/22545650; 9354303488.