5 Myths about Oral Health

If taken to heart, some of the misconceptions out there can cause a lot of damage to your overall oral health. That is why it is so important to seek the advice of a dental professional if you suspect there may be a dental issue emerging. In the sections below, we will briefly explore a few common myths about oral health and discuss what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Myth #1: If you have bad breath, you have poor hygiene.

Let’s face it. We all know that poor oral hygiene is one possible cause of bad breath. However, there are several more factors to consider as well. For example, illnesses and certain medications can cause halitosis, as well as some foods.

Myth #2: White teeth mean healthy teeth.

Unfortunately, problems like tooth decay and periodontal disease can be concealed by a beautiful smile. That is why it is so important to address oral health issues first, before pursuing any kind of cosmetic treatment, such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers.

Myth #3: The more sugar and carbs you eat, the more prone you are to cavities.

It’s no secret that oral bacteria feed on sugary foods. However, the real problem is not how much of these foods you are consuming, but how long they are left on the teeth after eating them. For instance, eating three chocolate bars and then brushing your teeth right after is much more preferable than eating one chocolate bar in the morning and waiting until just before bed to brush.

Myth #4: Putting aspirin on a sore tooth will reduce the pain.

It is unclear how this particular remedy became so popular, but many individuals wrongly assume that placing an aspirin tablet on the gums near a sore tooth will reduce the pain efficiently. However, it should be noted that aspirin does not actually work unless it is swallowed. More importantly, however, leaving a tablet on the gums will cause uncomfortable acid burns on the gums, cheeks, and lips.

Myth #5: Baby teeth are not that important.

This seems to be a common fallacy. Some parents have been taught that baby teeth are not really important since they will eventually fall out anyway. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, primary teeth help children chew properly and obtain appropriate nutrition. They also aid in speech patterns and hold space for the permanent adult teeth later on. We encourage our young patients to take care of their teeth just as adults do.

When something is stated often enough, it is easy to believe it as fact. However, when your health is at stake, it is important to differentiate between myth and truth. If you have questions about your oral health we are always happy to help. Please feel free to contact our office at 303-280-2285.