3 Myths About General Dentistry

Many people still have mistaken beliefs about general dentistry. As is often the case with misinformation, it can be very persistent. Myths are often more well-known than facts.

One way to find out the truth behind the myths is to visit a dental office frequently and ask questions of the dentist and hygienists. You can trust that the information that comes from these professionals is accurate based on the most current research. If your next scheduled appointment is not for several months, here is the truth behind some of the most common dentistry myths you may have heard.

What are some common dentistry myths?

The following myths about dentistry are not only common, but they can also do real damage.

1. Oral health does not affect general health

The mouth does not exist in a vacuum. The human body is an integrated whole, and if one part is unhealthy, other parts may be affected. As a result, overall general health goes down.

For example, periodontal disease can have a direct effect on your overall health. When bacteria grow in pockets between the teeth and gums, it is more likely to get into the bloodstream. From there, it can travel to other parts of the body where it can contribute to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. Periodontal disease in women has been linked to pregnancy complications.

2. You only need to go to the dentist in case of a toothache

Decay and other serious dental problems can develop without causing any pain at all. By the time you do start experiencing symptoms, the issue may have progressed to the point that you need extensive dental work to treat it. Complicated dental procedures can be very expensive.

Regular dental examinations help your dentist to identify small problems before they have the chance to develop into larger ones. Treating minor issues is less expensive, and the prognosis is much better if the problem is caught early.

3. Flossing causes spaces between teeth

While flossing can be uncomfortable, it does not loosen your teeth or cause spaces to form between them. Flossing is at least as important to oral hygiene as brushing your teeth because it removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria from the spaces in between where your toothbrush cannot reach. You should floss your teeth at least once a day and brush at least twice daily.

If flossing is uncomfortable, there are different varieties available for you to try. An alternative may be more pleasant. For example, waxed floss glides between the teeth better. The wax strengthens it so that it does not break or shred as easily. People with wide gaps between their teeth may benefit from super floss or dental tape.