Besides taking care of your teeth, one of the most important jobs of a dentist is to promote dental health education. This is particularly necessary because there are a lot of incorrect myths and rumors about dental care out there, which can easily lead people to damage their teeth. So, we wanted to take a moment to address some of the most common myths we hear.
1 - Sugar-free soda is NOT totally safe for your teeth
While sugar does contribute to cavities if allowed to sit on your teeth, that's not the only problem with sodas. The other problem is their acidity. All sodas are acidic, and the acid is actually worse for your teeth than the sugar. Whether drinking sugary or sugar-free soda, always brush your teeth immediately afterward to protect them.
2 - You can NOT ignore a cavity if the pain stops
It's understandable that people think everything is fine when their teeth aren't hurting, but this isn't the case. If a cavity causes pain for a few days, then suddenly goes away, that actually means that the infection has killed the tooth's root. The tooth will continue to decay, and will eventually need a root canal, or even a full replacement. Always see the dentist about cavities when the pain starts. You'll be more likely to save your tooth that way.
3 - Babies' oral health can NOT be ignored
This is one of the sadder myths we hear. Some parents think that since baby teeth are temporary, tooth problems don't matter. That's simply not the case. Oral health problems in young children will turn into bigger oral problems after their adult teeth come in. Proper oral care for babies and toddlers can potentially even prevent the need for braces later on.
4 - Home tooth-whitening systems are NOT safe
DIY kits for whitening your own teeth work on a very simple, and very harmful idea: bleach. The bleach eats away at the outer enamel of teeth, which does restore its whiteness, but only by weakening your teeth. The only non-harmful whitening systems are those provided by licensed dentists using specialized materials.
5 - Brushing harder does NOT clean better
Brushing too hard or vigorously can actually damage your teeth or your gums. It isn't necessary to use a lot of force; toothpaste already contains scrubbing elements that do the work for you. Brush gently, in a circular movement, for best results.
If you have any other questions about dental 'facts' you've read on the internet, please contact Dr. Joe Delmonico, Plainsboro Dental Care at 609-799-4422.