Truth or Fiction: 10 Myths Debunked About Oral Health

Myth 1: “Excessive brushing means healthier teeth.”

Truth: Dr. Octavian Angelescu answers: “Excessive brushing can significantly contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Moreover, it worsens existing gum problems. We recommend a balanced approach to brushing.”

Myth 2: “If your gums bleed, it’s better to avoid brushing.”

Truth: Gingivitis manifests itself through bleeding. Therefore, brushing and flossing are necessary.

Myth 3: “Candies can cause tooth decay.”

Truth: As you well know, sugar is bad for your teeth. Therefore, sugary foods, including soft drinks and caramels, can contribute to the development of dental caries.

Myth 4: “If you don’t have pain, you don’t need to visit the dentist.”

Truth: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. Such visits can successfully prevent major dental problems that would require more time and money to treat. Pain is not common in the early stages of a dental problem. Therefore, we recommend adhering to a regular dental visit schedule.

Myth 5: “All teeth whitening treatments are safe.”

Truth: It depends on the treatment and the product chosen for teeth whitening. Some products can be abrasive and even cause side effects. Therefore, it is useful to discuss with your dentist before choosing a product.

Myth 6: “Crooked teeth are only an aesthetic problem, difficult to fix.”

Truth: Dentists will tell you that crooked teeth can affect your ability to chew properly and even speak clearly. Fortunately, crooked teeth are not a life sentence. They can be straightened and corrected with effective treatments.

Myth 7: “Decayed baby teeth are not a problem to address.”

Truth: Most doctors recommend treating cavities that affect baby teeth. Decay can affect a child’s ability to eat and enjoy social interactions without embarrassment. Dental cavities carry the stigma of neglect, so it is important to treat them seriously. Children’s daily oral hygiene requires parental involvement.

Myth 8: “Dental floss is not that important.”

Truth: Use dental floss to remove bacterial plaque. Floss is important. It also removes food debris stuck in hard-to-reach areas that toothbrushes can’t clean effectively.

Myth 9: “Electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones.”

Truth: The technology incorporated in modern electric toothbrushes makes brushing a pleasant and effective experience. However, we cannot ignore each person’s brushing style. Both electric and manual toothbrushes can be effective if used correctly. Stick to the 2-minute brushing rule and use quality toothpaste, preferably one recommended by your dentist.

Myth 10: “Chewing gum replaces brushing.”

Truth: Sugar-free chewing gum can be useful when you cannot brush your teeth quickly. However, it only temporarily replaces brushing until you are able to do it properly.

Two more myths and we’re done. We don’t want to “steal” too much of your time.

Myth 11: “A healthy diet means you can avoid seeing the dentist.”

Truth: If you have a healthy diet, congratulations. Even so, bacteria can accumulate on your teeth, so pay special attention to oral hygiene. Don’t ignore it, as it can cause dental problems both short- and long-term.

Myth 12: “Aging inevitably brings tooth loss.”

Truth: Not necessarily. Aging affects the body, but effects vary from person to person. If you take care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly, there’s a good chance you’ll keep them well into your senior years.

In a world dominated by fake news, myths, and misinformation about all sorts of things, the truth can be hard to uncover. We hope this article has been useful in finding helpful answers.

Come to DentAngelo dental clinic for an honest discussion about your teeth and how to keep them healthy.

You can schedule an appointment by phone at 0761 340 001 or by email at contact@dentangelo.ro! Don’t forget you can also book online or on Facebook.