Have you ever been talking to someone about going to the dentist, and they comment that they have bad teeth because their mom had terrible teeth or that they brush and floss well before their dental appointment but not at any other time? The truth is that there are a lot of dental myths out there, and it’s sometimes difficult to know what’s true and what isn’t.
So, what are some common misconceptions about your dental health? Let’s find out what’s true and what isn’t to help you achieve the best oral health possible.
Debunking Dental Myths
Here are some of the most common dental myths and the truth behind them:
- Tooth loss is genetic – Most tooth loss can be prevented with good oral hygiene practices.
- Oral health and overall health are not connected – If you suffer from poor oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth can travel into your bloodstream and cause cardiovascular disease or dementia, as well as lowering your body’s ability to resist infection.
- The harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be – If you brush your teeth too hard, you can wear down the enamel or damage your gums.
- You can brush your teeth at any time of the day – Although it’s true that you can brush at any time of day, the best times are when you wake up and before you go to bed since you produce less antibacterial saliva when you sleep.
- Brushing well before a dental appointment will hide poor dental care – Your dentist in Phoenix will be able to tell what your day-to-day dental habits are, regardless of how well you brush before your dental appointment.
- Dental crowns and fillings will protect your teeth from further decay – The truth is that dental restorations such as crowns and fillings are still susceptible to tooth decay, so it’s important to care for them just like your other teeth.
- Chewing gum works as well as brushing your teeth – Although sugar-free gum can help remove bacteria in your mouth, you still need to brush your teeth to remove plaque.
- You only need to go to the dentist if you are experiencing an issue – Some people believe that going to the dentist is only necessary if you are having a problem with your teeth and gums, but regular dental visits can help you avoid larger dental issues in the future.
Are You Looking for a Dentist in Phoenix, AZ?
If you are looking for a professional dental team in Phoenix, look no further than Arcadia Dentistry. We can help you achieve oral health and answer your questions about dental health myths, so contact our dental office today at (602) 957-2170 for more information or to schedule an appointment.