March Mayhem: Debunking Common Oral Care Myths
While March Mayhem is typically associated with basketball, we're associating March with the many myths about oral care for your teeth and gums. Misconceptions abound, and they can harm your teeth, your smile, and your overall health. We hope the following information helps to ensure you have the best oral health and the brightest smile possible!
Myth: Only sugar causes cavities
Truth: Although sugar is one of the main culprits in the onset of cavities and decay, other foods and habits factor into the development of cavities and decay.
The bacteria in your mouth break down carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and fruit into an acid that will erode your tooth enamel. Reducing sugar consumption will benefit your oral health, and your overall health, but you still need good oral hygiene habits to prevent the development of cavities.
Myth: I should stop flossing if my gums bleed
Truth: If your gums bleed during flossing and brushing, it indicates that you have a problem with them that's probably related to your oral hygiene routine. Therefore, you need to increase your brushing and flossing rather than reduce it. If you need advice, call our office! We will schedule a dental exam and cleaning to get to the bottom of your bleeding gum problem.
Myth: Baby teeth fall out, so they're not important
Truth: Primary teeth, also called baby teeth, are vital to the development of permanent teeth. They're the foundation for chewing, speech development, and permanent teeth. When primary teeth are neglected, children can develop infections, pain, and misaligned permanent teeth.
If your infant or child needs a dental appointment, call our office, and we'll schedule one! We're proud to offer pediatric and adult dental services.
Myth: Professional whitening is no better than whitening toothpaste
Truth: Although a whitening toothpaste can remove some surface stains, it won't change the color of your teeth. If you have stained and discolored teeth, a whitening toothpaste won't change that.
Professional whitening, however, uses a professional-grade whitener that will produce better results in less time, and you'll be professionally monitored so that your teeth will all be the same color. Since dental appliances such as fillings, caps, and the like don't respond to whiteners the same as tooth enamel, you may have unevenly colored teeth if you're only using whitening toothpaste.
Myth: You only need a dentist if you have a dental problem.
Truth: You may have a problem, but be unaware of it. Many dental issues develop asymptomatically, so you won't know you have a problem until symptoms appear. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can prevent issues from escalating into a more serious—and expensive—problem.
If it's been a while since you've had a dental cleaning and checkup, call our office today to schedule one.
Call us today!
If you or your child need a dental appointment, call Children's Dental Center of New Hampshire and Orthodontics Too today at (603) 554-9236, or visit us online https://www.childrensdentalnh.com, and keep your smile in championship form!
