Can you spot the fake?
We’ve all heard about those dental “facts” passed down from your friends or maybe even your grandma. But not everything you hear is the “tooth” truth. Sometimes these dental myths can be false, and believing one or more of them can even harm your teeth or gums. Are you ready to test your tooth wisdom? We list two truths and one dental myth, you figure out which one it is. Let’s go!
Dental Myth #1
“If my gums bleed when I brush, then I should stop brushing.”
- You should stop brushing areas that bleed and let them heal.
- Bleeding gums are a sign that you are brushing too hard.
- Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease.
Which one is the lie?
Number 1. Here’s the truth: bleeding gums can be caused by brushing too hard and using the wrong type of toothbrush, but more often, it is caused by plaque buildup and gum disease. Not brushing the areas that are bleeding only leads to more issues. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush and gentle, circular motions to clean your gums daily. And if the bleeding doesn’t go away, come visit us—we can help nip gum disease in the bud before it turns into something more serious.
Dental Myth #2
“Whitening toothpaste can whiten your teeth.”
- Whitening toothpaste can scrub away surface stains on your teeth.
- Toothpaste with special whiteners will make your teeth noticeably whiter and brighter.
- Whitening toothpaste will whiten your teeth as much as a professional treatment from your dentist.
Which is incorrect?
Number 3. Whitening toothpastes can indeed scrub off some surface stains. Also, due to small amounts of hydrogen peroxide (and other bleaching chemicals) in whitening toothpaste, it can help lighten teeth. So statements 1 and 2 are kind of true. But they will not dramatically change your teeth to white. If you want that movie-star bright, pearly white, toothy smile, you need to visit your dentist for a professional whitening treatment.
Dental Myth #3
“I don’t need to see a dentist if nothing hurts.”
- No pain = no problem.
- Regular dental checkups catch problems before they become painful (and expensive).
- Dental problems can be present in your mouth without any symptoms or pain.
Which one is a false statement?
You guessed correctly if you picked statement one. Pain is not the only sign of a dental problem. Gum disease, cavities, and even infections can hide quietly before becoming a problem. That’s why we recommend seeing us (your dentist) once or twice a year. This is very important. Why? Because we can find and stop many of the problems before they become problems.
Dental Myth #4
Baby teeth don’t matter because they just fall out anyway.”
- Baby teeth help your adult teeth go into the right position.
- Baby teeth are important for chewing and speech development.
- It’s fine if baby teeth get cavities and need to be pulled out early.
I’m sure you figured out already that statement 3 is false. It’s easy to think of baby teeth as “practice” teeth. But they really play a big role in your child’s oral development. Your child’s baby teeth will help them learn how to bite and chew food and speak properly. Even more important, they hold space in the jaw for adult teeth to grow. If they lose them too early due to injury or decay, it can lead to jaw misalignments, crowding of the teeth, and future decay in adult teeth. So brushing those tiny baby teeth is just as important as brushing the adult teeth. For more information on how to care for baby teeth, click here.
What is your final Dental Myth score?
Did any of our false statements trick you? Hopefully, you learned something new and have upped your dental tooth smarts today. The truth is, oral health isn’t just about brushing and flossing (although those are very important), but is also about busting those outdated dental myths that have been going around for years now. Remember, we are here to keep your teeth and gums (along with your smile) healthy, bright, and myth-free.
Give our office a call for your healthy mouth checkup today! If you have family or friends who are looking for a dentist, please refer them to us.