Top 10 Dental Myths Debunked

Dental myths! Old wives’ tales! Weird anecdotes your uncle told you! Stop listening to all those strange and unhelpful stories, and let us debunk some of those outlandish myths for you right here, right now.

1. Tooth loss is genetic. All humans lose teeth for one reason or another, but if your great-grandfather lost all his teeth by the time he was 30, that doesn’t mean you will too. Brush, floss, have regular appointments, and we’ll keep your teeth in your mouth and healthy!
2. Oral health is not connected to general health. Repeat after us: Your oral and overall health are interconnected and affect each other. We want you to have healthy teeth so that your whole body will be healthy.
3. The harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be. Sorry, but that’s just not true. Brushing too hard will damage your enamel and hurt your gums. Be gentle, use a soft-bristled brush, and smile!
4. X-rays are dangerous. Dental X-rays are safe. You are exposed to very, very low amounts of radiation, and X-rays are essential for diagnosing dental issues.
5. You can fool the dentist if you brush and floss right before your appointment. You can’t. We know. We always know.
6. Don’t see the dentist if you are pregnant. We like our pregnant patients very much, and we care about their oral health. Pregnancy hormones cause changes in your whole body and can affect your oral health. Please don’t stay away if you are pregnant.
7. Teeth whitening is harmful. Professional teeth whitening is safe and will not damage your teeth. If you have any concerns, contact us, and we can answer all of your questions.
8. If you brush, you don’t need to floss. Dental floss gets between teeth to place your brush just can’t reach. It is essential that you do both.
9. You only need to see the dentist when you have a problem. Now, you’re just trying to hurt our feelings. Regular dental examinations and cleanings are a vital part of your dental hygiene routine. They don’t happen every day, but they are part of the same prevention and care process that will keep your teeth healthy and strong.
10. Sugar causes cavities. Sugar itself isn’t the main culprit. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth that causes tooth decay. So, don’t go on a sugar binge, but know that if you have some, try to drink plenty of water to rinse away the bacteria and give your teeth a fighting chance.

If you’ve heard some odd or questionable advice from someone who isn’t a dentist, ask us about it the next time we see you. Remember to schedule your next appointment by contacting our office located in Toledo, OH.