Busting the Top Dental Health Myths – Part II

From web search options, to Facebook groups, to Instagram – we are constantly exposed to inexhaustible overloads of boundless information. Sometimes, too much information can actually be greatly disadvantageous, and, in many cases – quite damaging. Today, we are continuing to dispel some of the most common misconceptions pertaining to your teeth, dentistry, and the oral health in part II of our “Busting the top dental health myths” series – myths 6-10.

Myth #6: “I have bad breath – I will just rinse with some mouthwash, chew some gum, and it will go away.”

There are so many reasons for experiencing bad breath, including gum disease, eating strongly flavored foods, acid reflux, tonsil stones, dry mouth, and many others. If you’re suffering from persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing your teeth and tongue – a dentist can help determine the cause and help suggest a solution for the unpleasant odor.

Myth #7: “I don’t want to go to the dentist, because I am afraid it will hurt.”

Today’s dental practices are highly focused on ensuring complete patient comfort. With the latest technology, topical anesthetics, the availability of lasers, and extensive emphasis on the patient experience – most patients experience enjoyable visits to the dentist with minimal discomfort. Ultimately, prevention is the key to minimal dental treatments – so visit your dentist regularly, and most of the visits will consist of prophylactic check-ups and comfortable dental cleanings!

Myth #8: “Dental treatment is expensive, so I’ll just wait a little bit longer”.

The truth is – when neglected – dental concerns will only get worse! Cavities will continue to grow, and what may have been treated with a simple filling – may end up needing more extensive treatment like a crown or a root canal. Gum disease can progress from early, fully reversible stages of gingivitis to full blown periodontal disease, resulting in compromised overall health and a possibility of losing teeth. The earlier dental problems are detected and resolved – the easier and less expensive it is to fix them, so don’t wait – call your dentist if you have any concerns.

Myth #9: “I heard that I don’t need to floss – I will just use some Listerine, and that should be enough.”

Several online publications recently mentioned that flossing may not be necessary; however – that may not be necessarily the case. Flossing removes plaque (sticky bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities) and food particles from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Therefore, flossing actually helps prevent tooth decay and reduce the risk of developing gum disease, all while helping keep your breath fresh and clean – so don’t skip this important step – daily flossing is a very important part of the oral health regimen.

Myth #10: “My teeth are not straight, and sometimes it’s hard to brush – and braces are for kids anyway.”

Teeth that are crowded or not properly aligned can actually cause long lasting damage to your teeth as well as your overall health. Crowding may lead to bacterial growth within the gums and make it difficult to clean around the teeth, leading to gum disease and tooth infections. Severe crowding can also lead to improper alignment, causing teeth to wear at an accelerated rate. Sometimes malocclusion can also lead to an increased risk of trauma to the teeth, chewing difficulties, and a compromised appearance of the smile. Adult orthodontics are a great solution to this concern – and many times treatment can be performed with invisible, easy to maintain braces like Invisalign™. Straightening your teeth can greatly improve your smile as well as your oral and overall health!