Myths arise concerning just about everything under the sun. Dentistry and oral hygiene is no different. You should NEVER believe everything you hear. Instead, get the facts from a trusted source, like your Catonsville dentist! We’ve got a few different myths for you that we’ve taken the time to debunk so you can get a better idea of what causes your oral hygiene to decline, what to avoid, and how to improve your oral hygiene.
Bleaching your teeth makes them weaker
This is false. Most people think that since they’re teeth become translucent if they bleach too much that it means they’re teeth are unhealthy. It’s actually just a color change. Bleaching too much CAN be bad for your gums, but it’s not actually going to hurt your teeth. The important thing to remember when you’re getting your teeth whitened is not to do it more than recommended and to always have your teeth professionally whitened. Your dentist will make sure that you’re getting the right treatment for you when you need it.
A pain reliever next to a tooth will fix a toothache
Do not try this at home. Most pain relievers are acidic and can actually give you cavities or make the pain worse. Swallowing a pain reliever will help with a toothache just fine. You should also make a point to see your dentist when you develop a toothache, as you may need a filling or have undiagnosed oral health issues.
A sensitive tooth means that I have a cavity
Not necessarily. Your teeth won’t always be sensitive when you have a cavity either. The two do not go hand in hand. You may just have sensitive teeth and need to find a toothpaste or mouthwash that will help with this problem. You should see your Catonsville dentist first, though, to rule out decay. Another issue is that many people think that if they don’t have pain, they don’t have a cavity. Cavities only start to cause pain in the mouth when they get really bad. See your dentist every 6 months for a checkup anyway.
If my gums are bleeding, I should avoid brushing
Believe it or not, this works the other way around. The only way to get your gums healthy enough to stop bleeding is to keep brushing and flossing to remove the bacteria around them. You need to make sure that you’re brushing and flossing properly and gently to avoid further harming them, though. Take good care of your gums to avoid developing gingivitis.
Oral health is important to your overall health and knowing the difference between truth and myth in the dental world is important! Remember to brush and floss regularly to avoid cavities and visit your dentist at least twice per year for an annual cleaning and checkup. If you have any questions about dentistry myths or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/cavities-myths?page=3, http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/problems/5-common-dental-myths.htm#page=2