When it comes to areas of medical care, it is fair to say that dentistry has more myths than most.
For instance, many people believe that root canals kill the tooth or that charcoal toothpaste is better for your teeth. These are not true but due to many people having concerns or being nervous about dental care, they are easily spread and exacerbate underlying anxieties among dental patients.
Luckily, we are here to clarify some of the most common myths about dental care to help you get the healthy, whiter smile that you have always deserved.
At Glenside Dental, we are experts in all areas of dental care and our general dentist Glenside is dedicated to keeping your teeth and mouth in the best condition possible. We provide all of our advice and guidance to our patients in jargon-free language, helping you to make the best decisions you can about the health of your teeth and gums to improve them. Fantastic!
So, what are some of the most common myths about general dental care? Read on to find out!
All wisdom teeth need to be removed
This is not true and, while the majority of people will require extraction of their wisdom teeth, this determination is made based on space within the mouth.
When you visit our general dentist Glenside regarding wisdom teeth, we will assess if there is room in your mouth for them to erupt without issue, or causing impaction. If there is no issue, then they can stay; if they are problematic and cause discomfort, we will remove them.
Only sugar causes tooth decay
Sugar can cause cavities but, even if you eat no sugar, you may still succumb to decay.
As our general dentist Glenside will tell you, poor hygiene is the leading cause of tooth decay, so you need to clean your teeth twice daily to keep them healthy. If you are pregnant, have long-standing health issues or have acid general dentist Glenside reflux, this can all damage the enamel making you more susceptible to cavities and decay.
If you are concerned about a health issue impacting on your teeth, talk to our team.
White teeth are healthier
White teeth do look healthier but it is a myth that they are.
An excess amount of whitening can create sensitivity and weaken the enamel, which heightens the chances of cavities, neither of which are desirable choices.
Hard brushing equals cleaner teeth
Harder brushing is more likely to cause issues than prevent them; you risk removing hard enamel and cutting your gums.
Use a light brushing motion when you clean your teeth and if you are struggling to manage stubborn plaque, call our team for a check-up.
Only children can benefit from braces
Regardless of your age, there are many advantages to having braces if you need them.
Of course, your smile will be straighter, but you will be able to eat a wider range of foods while also reducing digestive issues such as acid reflux and indigestion worsened by misalignments. A win-win!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.