Dental care is an integral part of all our lives, albeit many myths surround it. Oral health and overall wellness go hand in hand. Poor oral care can result in significant health issues, which is why it is essential to clear any misconceptions. Clearing the air can undoubtedly improve other’s approaches to oral care. Continue reading to learn the most common dental myths everyone should know.
Myth Number One: Your First Visit to a Dentist Near You Should Be at Age 3
A child should visit their Red Deer dentist as soon as their first tooth appears. This visit is crucial for a few different reasons. Children are unable to identify when their teeth are causing them pain. A baby may begin to cry or refuse food as their teeth are not coming in correctly or due to the damage they have acquired. Since they cannot verbalize their discomfort, it can remain overlooked. Additionally, scheduling a child’s first dental visit early on and ensuring they have a positive first impression will encourage them to continue seeking dental care in the near future.
Following their first visit, the majority of children should have a check-up scheduled every six months. Biannual check-ups will detect potential issues early on before they have the opportunity to worsen. Although baby teeth may not be permanent, damage or decay they acquire could eventually damage their (permanent) adult teeth in the future.
Myth Number Two: You Need to Brush After Every Time You Eat
The idea that brushing is intended to remove food particles is believed by many. However, the actual purpose is to eliminate plaque. Brushing after every meal can result in a process we call “over-brushing.” This ultimately wears down tooth enamel and puts your teeth at risk. Furthermore, when you brush after eating or drinking something acidic such as fruit, juice, or soda, it is recommended you wait at least thirty minutes before you whip out your toothbrush and toothpaste. Generally speaking, you should brush your teeth thoroughly when you awake and before you sleep. You should avoid using a toothbrush that has hard bristles as this can cause unwanted damage to your teeth. Instead, opt for a soft or medium bristled toothbrush and run it over each tooth until your overall mouth feels clean. For more teeth cleaning tips, speak with your dentist in Red Deer.
Myth Number Three: Sugar Causes Cavities
Sugar itself is not the reason to blame for your cavities. Sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, which is what causes cavities. Now, if you are eating sugar often, in large amounts and not managing your plaque, the bacteria has a breeding ground inside of your mouth. As time progresses, bacteria lead to tooth decay. This does not mean you have to avoid sugar at all costs–which would be nearly impossible, but it does mean you need to clean your mouth thoroughly on a regular basis. Be sure to brush, floss, and use mouthwash. This will prevent bacteria from growing.
Myth Number Four: Your Teeth Are White So They Must Be Healthy
Although white teeth may give off this impression, not all oral issues are visible. Let’s take a look at cavities for example, which can form in areas that you cannot always see. Your front teeth could appear to be white; meanwhile, there are cavities clustered between your back teeth. Your enamel may be weak, and there could be plaque build-up that ultimately leads to tooth loss. In some instances, you may not even experience pain for a while if cavities form from the root up. Also, you cannot forget about gum issues, which are a significant component of dental care. The message here is, do not just rely on the appearance of your teeth to determine if something is wrong.
If you have not visited a dentist near you within the last six months, be sure to schedule a dental cleaning in Red Deer and check-up today.