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Don’t Believe These Dental Myths

April 7, 2018
Dental Care

Ah, the internet. Can you imagine life without it? It’s the source of so much valuable knowledge. Unfortunately, it’s also become a source of much misinformation as well. It’s not that misleading and misguided information did not exist before. But falsehoods have a way of propagating and spreading online that’s unprecedented — and there’s little we can do to counter them except with the truth.

In that spirit, we’d like to set the record straight on a few widespread dental myths that have the potential to damage your oral health.

Read them carefully and get your next dental checkup in the books. If you live in or around Albuquerque, NM, call Uptown Dental Associates at (505) 219-4548.

Myth #1: Root Canals Are Painful

It’s not entirely clear how or why this myth began. But it’s a powerful one — so ingrained in society that the the term “root canal” has become synonymous with an unpleasant experience. It may be a holdover from the old days of dentistry when, due to old-school techniques and inferior anesthesia options, dental procedures were more painful than they are today. Or it could be due to the fact that people who need root canals are often already in pain from an infected tooth. Regardless, it’s simply not true. People who’ve gone through the procedure say it’s no worse than getting a regular filling.

Myth #2: Baby Teeth Aren’t Important

We are often asked why is it so important to take care of baby teeth when they will just fall out anyway. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits from babyhood are important for a number of reasons.

  • Kids need their teeth in order to chew their food properly.
  • Teeth affect speech. If a child’s teeth fall out prematurely, he or she may have difficulty learning to speak.
  • Baby teeth serve as placeholders for adult teeth. If they come out before they should, permanent teeth may not grow in correctly, or they may drift out of place.
  • It’s important to set kids up for a lifetime of good dental health by getting them used to an oral care routine. Even before that first tooth comes in, you can wipe the baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth.

Myth #3: Scrubbing Your Teeth Gets Them Really Clean

We just love people who are passionate about their dental health. That said, it is possible to be a bit overzealous, which is not a good thing. When it comes to brushing your teeth, consistency (at least twice every day) and thoroughness are key. Not elbow grease.

If you “scrub” your teeth or brush too hard, you may very well remove lots of plaque and tartar, but you will take off your tooth enamel as well. You may also damage your gums. And that makes you susceptible to tooth decay, gum recession, and periodontal disease. Brush gently, and always use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

We hope we’ve helped set the record straight about these dental myths and given you some helpful information. The next thing you should do is call Uptown Dental Associates for your next checkup. You may reach us online or call our Albuquerque, NM office at (505) 219-4548.