9 Most Common Dental Myths

9 Most Common Dental Myths

Myth 1: Sugar Causes Cavities

While sugar does contribute to the formation of cavities, it’s not the sugar itself that causes the problem.  Surprisingly it is the sticky food, like starches, attracts bacteria to thrive on and around teeth. It is the bacteria that eats the sugar.

These bacteria produce an acid compound that promotes tooth decay. So it is important that after eating sugary foods you rinse and brush afterwards reduce acid and plaque buildup.

Myth 2: You only need to go to the dentist if your teeth hurt

Diagnosing and curing a tooth problem at an earlier stage is much easier and cost-effective than if it were to be addressed later.

Even if you aren’t experiencing dental pain, we recommend seeing a dentist twice at least twice a year for regular cleanings and exams. Some dental issues are asymptomatic but can still cause infection and need treatment. The longer the wait, the more expensive and invasive the treatment may become. Ultimately, prevention saves you both time and money in the long-run. 

Myth 3: Bleeding Gums Are Normal

Your gums should not bleed unless you are starting a new flossing routine. Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing is most likely due to inflammation of the gums which is due to excessive plaque buildup, the onset of gingivitis, gum disease or other causes.

You’ll want to contact your dentists here at Bogota Dental Center for an exam to further access the situation.

Myth 4: Flossing can create spaces between your teeth

Flossing does not create spaces between your teeth. Flossing actually helps prevent decay between your teeth. When you floss, you’re removing food debris nestled around your teeth and gums, which helps keep them healthy and removes harmful bacteria.

When you begin a new flossing routine, you may experience some bleeding gums. If after a few weeks of steady flossing your gums are still bleeding, a gum disease might be more severe and we recommend coming to see us here at Bogota Dental Center to help determine the cause and proper treatment plan.

Sometimes if you have plaque and tartar buildup in between and behind your teeth, it can be difficult to floss. Our hygienists here at Bogota Dental Center can help remove that buildup and make it easier for you to establish a successful flossing routine.

Myth 5: Brushing Harder Cleans Better

Brushing harder can actually be counterproductive. The harder you brush, the more trauma the tooth enamel and gum tissue endure. It can eventually lead to other problems. Gum recession being the most common.

The best way to brush your teeth would be to brush with gentle pressure for two minutes, twice daily with a soft-bristled brush.

Myth 6: Flossing Is Not Really Necessary

Flossing is an integral part of maintaining good oral health. A shocking 1 in 5 people never floss and only 40% of those who do, floss daily. Be mindful that flossing removes up to 80% of plaque. Plaque deposits promote tooth decay.  You can prevent plaque buildup with a consistent brush and floss regimen

Myth 7: Chewing Gum Works Like Brushing

Some chewing gums can create more saliva which promotes cleaner teeth and better breath. However, while some chewing gums serve as aids to oral health, they still don’t reach the level of being able to replace brushing your teeth. Chewing gum should never become a replacement for brushing your teeth.

Myth 8: Oral health is not connected to the rest of the body

Your oral health is absolutely connected to your systemic health. There are many correlations between your mouth and body. A mouth with periodontal disease is more likely to cause bacteria to enter into the bloodstream which will result in other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more.

Myth 9:  My teeth are unhealthy because I’m aging

Oral hygiene is important no matter your age. While it is true that your teeth can deteriorate as you age, is not an automatic factor in deteriorating oral health. If you take care of your teeth during childhood and adult years you will still have healthy teeth into your senior years.

It is important to note that because you are young doesn’t mean your teeth will automatically be healthy. Severe dental decay has no age and many young people have to rely on dentures and bridges in order to have a smile they can feel confident in. So be sure to brush, floss and book your bi-yearly appointments with us for your regular scheduled cleanings at Bogota Dental Center! We love to see you smile!

We look forward to being a part of your oral health plan and stand alongside you for the entirety of the process to monitor your dental health for years to come.

Call us today for a risk-free assessment of your mouth and we will keep you smiling bright!

We are in two locations for your convenience,

Bogota Dental Center, Totowa, NJ

Phone (appointments): 973-890-0600| Address: 360 US-46, Suite 3, Totowa, NJ 07512

Bogota Dental Center, Bogota, NJ

Phone (appointments): 201-343-6770 | Address: 85 East Main Street, Bogota, NJ 07603

WE LOVE TO SEE YOU SMILE,

All of us here at Bogota Dental Center