We often come across few advices which are actually misconceptions among people. Let us see what are those myths and find out the actual facts to spread right knowledge about dentistry.
Myth 1 : Brushing harder cleans better
Fact : absolutely not!! It’s a misapprehension that plaque can be removed by brushing harder. Applying too much pressure may slowly erode enamel, which cannot repair itself once it suffers significant damage. One may experience increased sensitivity and a heightened risk of cavities due to such activity. Brushing too hard can cause the gum tissue to shrink back (gum recession). So brush in a soft and right way.
Myth 2 : White teeth are healthy teeth
Fact : one can have pearly white teeth and still have gum infections or cavities. Likewise one can have perfectly healthy teeth which are off white, yellowish or even brownish. Enamel is on the surface of every tooth and it has a natural hue of white. However, the underlying dentin layer has a slightly yellowish colour. This yellowish hue shows through the enamel in almost everyone.
Myth 3 : If one has no oral health concerns, there’s no need for an exam.
Fact : definitely not!! Here are six reasons as to why one must visit a dentist once in every six months.
Reason 1 : oral cancer is an extremely serious disease that manifests itself in various ways. Without knowing the signs of its early onset, oral cancer is often not diagnoses and can quickly progress and can become life threatening. Dentist is highly trained to recognise these signs and with regular checkup the likelihood of catching oral cancer in time is dramatically high.
Reason 2 : Even with the most diligent tooth brushes and flosses, there are small areas in the mouth that are missed by a regular brushing and flossing. Regular dental cleaning remove tartar from eroding teeth or cleaning holes in them, which is how cavities are created.
Reason 3 : Regular dental cleanings are essential in catching and addressing gingivitis before it gets out of hand. “Better to hold a tooth in mouth rather than replacing the lost ones by a veneer or implant”.
Reason 4 : There are many bad habits that can have a negative impact on our oral health, some of which one may not even realize are causing issues. Some of them include chewing ice, biting nails, clenching jaw, grinding teeth, eating particularly sticky or hard sweets, brushing too hard, drinking cofee and red wine and ofcourse smoking. A regular checkup can help in can identify oral damages caused by these which one may have not noticed.
Reason 5 : A crucial part of visiting dentist is getting one’s teeth and jaw bone x-rayed. X-ray images allow dental professionals to see what is happening beneath the surfaces of your mouth and can find, diagnose issues that may be invisible to naked eye. Like impacted tooth, bone decay, swelling, cysts or tumours.
Reason 6 : In addition to checking mouth, gums and tongue for signs of oral cancer, dentist will also check one’s neck, jaw and lymph nodes located just below jaw line for any swellings or lumps or other abnormalities.
Myth 4 : Teeth cleaning / scaling and polishing will abradd the enamel and cause sensitivity issues.
Fact : Cleaning safely remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up over time on the teeth and gums. They don’t damage enamel on the teeth. Infacf, if teeth are not cleaned regularly, inflammation can occur and this can lead to gum disease sue ro the bacteria residing in the plaques.
Myth 5 : Braces are only meant for the younger.
Fact : getting braces may be a little easier or go a little faster during adolescence but adults from all walks of life should know that age is just a number when it comes to receiving and benefiting from orthodontic treatment. Adults count for 20% of orthodontic patients according to AAO statistics. Although harder bone rissue can mean a longer, more involved treatment process for adults with braces, the right orthodontic treatment plan is usually all it takes to straighten teeth, improve bite alignment, make oral hygiene easier and create a perfect smile at any age.
Myth 6 : There is no need to wear retainers after orthodontic treatment.
Fact : oh yes!! You need to wear those retainers given by your dentists for atleast 9 months and then dropping down to nightly wear after that. Going a year without retainer means that your teeth will have continued to move back to their original position and may even be crooked. The solution may be to restart treatment with braces. Isn’t it better to have retainers in their place rather than spending again on braces?!!
Myth 7 : Dental treatment costs a fortune.
Fact : the only reason one has ro spend so much on a dental treatment is because he/she didn’t take care of their teeth as much as they should have. Neglect, or rathee, result of neglect is always costlier than the the routine dental appointment that pops up in one’s calender twice a year. Moreover, the dental equipment are costlier too because of which a normal dentist demands more which is actually normal compared to what he invests.
Myth 8 : A fast prosthodontist is a good prosthodontist.
Fact : you are mistaken. Fast is not always good. A prosthodontist offers specialized treatment that cannot be rushed. It’s important that they take their time to make sure the job is done right the first time. While dentists may want to keep their patients moving, a prosthodontist takes his time and does what is best for the patient.
Myth 9 : I’m better off with my natural teeth or no teeth.
Fact : ofcourse natural teeth are always preferable. However, if one has lost one or few teeth to injury, disease or decay, a dental implant is truly the next best thing. The tooth that opposes the site of missing tooth may start to grow out from its position because it no longer has the opposing tooth to resist it. One may experience increased sensitivity and other issues around this super-erupted tooth.
References : 123dentist.com, reeseortho.com
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