From long-standing urban legends to misinformation spread on the internet, there are plenty of dental myths floating about these days. While the average person shouldn’t be expected to know everything about oral health – not everyone is a dentist, after all! – not being able to separate fact from fiction can potentially cause a person serious harm. For this reason, your dentist in Stephens City has compiled the 5 most common dental myths below and revealed the truth behind each one.
Myth #1: White Teeth Equal a Healthy Smile
In today’s society, white teeth are often associated with vitality and attractiveness. However, just because you have a bright smile does not automatically mean that your teeth are in good shape. The truth is that tooth decay and dental infections can develop inside a tooth, hidden from plain sight. If this happens, you may not notice until many months later, when the inner cavity or infection has grown worse and perhaps even caused serious damage.
Myth #2: Adults Can’t Get Braces
Braces are not just for children in middle or high school who want to straighten their teeth – adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment too! The good news is that in today’s world you have a choice: traditional metal brackets and wires or invisible braces. It’s not a hard choice to make! Invisalign clear braces can discreetly straighten teeth without compromising your professional appearance.
Myth #3: Baby Teeth Fall Out, So They Don’t Require Care
Why bother brushing your baby’s teeth every day if they are going to fall out eventually and be replaced with permanent teeth?
Practicing proper oral hygiene with your infant or young child is incredibly important, as they can still develop painful toothaches or infections without care. Cleaning their baby teeth every day and taking them to see a pediatric dentist regularly will also help ensure that their future set of permanent teeth grow in fully and correctly.
Myth #4: Place Aspirin Directly on a Toothache to Relieve Pain
You can file this one under “urban legend that just won’t go away”. Dissolving an Aspirin pain relief pill near a toothache will not immediately cure uncomfortable symptoms of a toothache. In fact, Aspirin only works once it dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream via the digestive tract.
The better route to relieving pain from a toothache is to schedule an appointment with a dental professional so they can identify and treat the problem.
Myth #5: It is Normal for Gums to Bleed When Brushing
When you spit into the bathroom sink when brushing your teeth, do you notice blood mixed with the toothpaste? If so, you should know that this is NOT normal or healthy. In fact, bleeding gums are a common symptom of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can eventually cause serious, lasting damage to your teeth and gums.
Now that you know the truth behind these 5 common dental myths, you should be better equipped to take good care of your smile! For more oral care tips, do not hesitate to contact a dentist in Stephens City.
About the Author
With a career in dentistry that spans nearly 40 years and counting, Dr. Thomas Gromling has cared for the smiles of multiple generations of Stephens City families. The Virginia Commonwealth University graduate regularly takes continuing education courses to stay up to date on the latest breakthroughs and advances in dental medicine. Patients old and new can learn more oral health tips at Dr. Gromling’s website or by calling 540-869-4377.