The Truth about Common Dental Myths

Modern dentistry allows people to keep their teeth healthy and strong. In fact, dentistry has evolved from folk practices to a medical discipline that follows scientific findings. Some common misconceptions still exist, including:

Myth: If I can’t see a problem with my teeth, they are fine, so I don’t need to visit the dentist.

Truth: Regular checkups are important even if you can’t see anything wrong. Sometimes, problems like decay and gum disease don’t present any signs until the condition progresses. Visiting the dentist for a routine exam twice a year allows the doctor to more effectively monitor your oral health.

Myth: Toothbrushes with hard bristles do a better job cleaning teeth.

Truth: Actually, most dentists recommend soft-bristled brushes because the hard bristles can remove tooth enamel, which makes your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold.

Myth: Root canal procedures cause pain.

Truth: When a tooth is severely damaged by trauma or deep decay, the soft nerve center called the pulp dies and pressure builds inside the tooth. Any discomfort you feel comes from the inflammation and infection. Most people actually feel better after a root canal, a procedure where the doctor removes the damaged tissue and seals the tooth to prevent further problems.

Myth: Teeth whitening will harm my teeth.

Truth: Both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options have evolved over the years. With a dentist’s supervision, you can safely and effectively brighten your smile.

Myth: Chewing sugar-free gum means I don’t have to brush my teeth.

Truth: Although sugar-free gum after meals may freshen breath and reduce plaque build up, you can’t use it as a substitute for brushing twice a day. Only regular brushing and flossing can get rid of the plaque already on teeth and remove food particles from between teeth.

Schedule a dental cleaning appointment today at our Baltimore dentists office.

Diet and Oral Health

For years, we have heard that sugar is bad for our teeth. As research has grown, scientists now understand which kinds of sugars hurt your teeth and which foods help keep your mouth healthy. A balanced diet can help keep your smile looking and feeling great.

Certain foods produce changes in your mouth that can increase the risk of tooth decay. For instance, bacteria in the mouth transform sugar and starches into bacteria that attack the teeth and weaken the enamel. As well, foods like candy, cakes, pastries, and dried fruits can stick to teeth and create a haven for bacteria.

Making healthy choices can help promote a healthy mouth. Cheeses, protein, meats, nuts, and milk can protect tooth enamel by contributing calcium and phosphorus, which will remineralize teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots are also good choices because they contain lots of water, which encourages saliva production.

When choosing a beverage, water, milk, and teeth are the best options for your oral health. Try to cut back on soft drinks and other beverages that contain sugar. Products that contain sugar substitutes like Equal or Splenda aren’t digested the same way as true sugar so they don’t cause over production of bacteria. In fact, chewing sugar free gum can actually improve saliva production and help protect your teeth.

Children and teens should work especially hard to eat a balanced diet. Poor eating habits can not only but their teeth at risk, but it can create other problems at well. A good diet influences brain development, learning capabilities, and normal growth patterns.

Schedule a dental cleaning appointment today at our Baltimore dentists office.