Common Dental Myths – Busted!

We all understand that dental hygiene is important. However, over the course of a lifetime we may encounter problems with decay, tooth pain, or cavities. When you seek out information on how to reduce your pain you may find some common dental myths that may get you into trouble.

Myth 1 – Parents do not have to worry about baby teeth

Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth, they lay the foundation towards a life with a healthy smile. How the impermanent teeth are treated and cared for has an impact on how the incoming adult teeth will form and align within the mouth. Think of baby teeth as a holding place for, the soon to erupt, adult teeth. If the baby teeth leave the mouth too quickly then it gives the incoming adult teeth the opportunity to move and shift. The results of the shift could be a crooked smile, crowded teeth, or a bite that is not aligned correctly. Talk to your pediatric dentist for best tips to care for your child’s teeth.

Myth 2 – Tooth decay is caused by sugar

While sugar is not the cause of tooth decay, it is the fuel for the decay. Just like how sugar gives us a short burst of energy, it does the same thing for the bacteria that lives in our mouths. There are thousands of individual bacteria in our mouths and some produce an acid that strips the minerals from the surface of our teeth. When the minerals from our teeth are removed faster than they can be replaced then it leaves our teeth vulnerable to infections and cavities. If you suspect that you have developed tooth decay, schedule a check-up with your dentist to determine your next best steps.

Myth 3 – When you have a toothache place aspirin next to the tooth

If you are looking to relieve pain from a tooth you may consider several over-the-counter topical medicines. Topical medicines allow you to place medication directly on the offending tooth, however, medicines in pill form need to be dissolved and absorbed in the stomach to the blood stream. Once in the blood stream, the medicine can block pain or possibly reduce swelling.

Myth 4 – Cavities cannot develop under a crown

A dental crown or a cap is placed on an offending tooth that has develop a cavity in the past. The crown covers the tooth above the gum line and is often sealed to protect what is left of the newly drilled, filled, and cleaned tooth. The idea that the tooth has been sealed leads people to believe that the tooth under the crown is no longer vulnerable to cavities. If the tooth is not regularly correctly cleaned, it can develop tooth decay along the gum line and into the covered tooth. Once you receive your crown, your dentist should be able to provide some guidance to correctly clean the area.

Schedule a cleaning or check-up with your dentist to bust your personal dental myths and keep your teeth happy and healthy.