Good Dental Health

There are many myths about good dental care. Some false beliefs are even passed down from parents to children. As a result, children

have digested these myths and circulated it in their consciousness.

Here are common myths:

• “If your teeth seem to look okay, then, you do not need to visit your dentist.”

This belief is false. There are a lot of dental problems that cannot be seen by the naked eye. These include: periodontal or gum disease, minute cracks or fractures, small cavities  and some root infections are just few examples of unseen dental problems. When you go to your dentist, he or she will utilize the use of dental x-rays and other devices to detect such problems. Dental visit is not only done for curing and treating dental problems. It is more of a preventive measure to keep teeth and gums healthy.

• “Having strong teeth is in your family’s genes. So, you do not have to worry about having dental checkups.”

Genetics plays a small part on your teeth’s composition. However, proper oral hygiene plays a major role in how healthy your teeth and gums are. Regular brushing and flossing coupled with professional cleanings can help keep your teeth for a life time.

• “You do not have to brush after eating, chewing gum works just the same.”

Actually, it is the saliva produced from chewing a gum that helps your mouth clean, not the chewing gum itself. Saliva has an innate bacterial-fighting enzyme which your body produces to keep you from having cavities. It washes away food debris to some degree. However, saliva alone cannot be a replacement to brushing and flossing. Saliva cannot remove the sticky plaque on the surfaces of your teeth or completely remove food debris. If you are in a place where you don’t have access to a toothbrush, then the next best option is chewing gum.

• “If your gums are bleeding, you have to skip brushing.”

  

  Bleeding Gums

Brushing too strongly can hurt gingiva and cause bleeding. However, the main reason for bleeding gums is gum disease. Generally, bacterial infection causes gum bleeding. First try using a soft bristled toothbrush, but it is imperative to see your dentist as well to determine whether you have gum disease.

• “Aspirin placed directly on the toothache can alleviate the pain.”

Aspirin is a drug with chemical composition. You may suffer additional pain due to chemical burn of your. Seek your dentist’s help instead.

• “Do not get dental treatment if you are pregnant.”

There are dental procedures that are not advisable for pregnant women. These are complicated things like dental surgeries and X-rays. However, thorough cleaning is actually a must when you are pregnant. Sometimes you may even need it more often during pregnancies because of the hormonal changes. Also routine dental treatments are usually ok as well. Typically, your dentist will get a medical release from your doctor if you need any treatment other than a cleaning.

Myths and hearsays are rampant in any aspects of life. By consulting the right persons, you will have the facts rather than fiction. Your oral health and dental health is very important not just for the health of your mouth but also the well-being of your entire body. Remember, your mouth effects your body and there is a strong correlation between gum disease and the bacteria in the mouth and diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

By: Ladan Zinati