There are many dental myths and beliefs in our society. Some we’ve come to accept because they’ve been passed down from lack of knowledge and modern technology. Others we’ve picked up from commercials or our next-door neighbor. But today, we’re going to go through the most common dental myths to see which ones are true and which ones are just plain silly.
You won’t believe how many times patients avoid coming into dental offices because they believe some of these dental myths to be true. It only becomes a problem when you start assuming that they’re true without checking.
That’s why we’re here to set the record straight. Let’s start debunking some of the most common dental myths.
Myth #1: If Your Gums Bleed, You Should Leave Them Be
The actual reason your gums may bleed is usually due to inflammation. Your gums become inflamed when bacteria and plaque get wedged between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t get. This bacteria will continue to build up over time and can lead to gum pain. Once the gums become inflamed, they will start to bleed from irritation.
If you don’t remove the source of the problem by flossing frequently, you actually increase the risk of your gums bleeding more often. The only way to reverse your gums bleeding is to be consistent in flossing. Bleeding gums is your mouth’s way of telling you something is wrong. If you continue to floss instead of ignoring the problem, the inflammation and bleeding will go away with time.
If the problem persists, as always, make an appointment with your dentist.
Myth #2: Brush Your Teeth Hard to Clean Them Completely
Brushing your teeth is essential to upkeep your oral health, but when you brush too hard, you can do more harm than good. Abrasive brushing can breakdown some of enamel that protects the inside of your tooth from decay among other problems.
To avoid these problems, buy a soft-bristle toothbrush and don’t use too much strength when brushing your teeth. Sometimes, your dentist will recommend an electric toothbrush to get the job done.
Myth #3: Poor Oral Health Will Only Affect Your Mouth
In reality, when you don’t take care of your oral health, more serious issues and consequences could arise. These are the most common health-related issues that can come from poor oral health.
Cardiovascular disease- This seems like a stretch, but the bacteria from inflammation of your gums can affect your bloodstream and travel through arteries in your heart — causing arteries to harden over time. These hard arteries can block blood flow through the body leading to an increased risk of a heart attack.
Dementia- The same bacteria from a common gum disease called Gingivitis can enter the brain through nerves or through your bloodstream. Studies have shown that this can lead to memory problems and ultimately diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Respiratory Problems- Studies have also warned that gum disease can cause infection of your lungs, even resulting in pneumonia. While this connection can be rare, breathing in constant bacteria from infected teeth and gums can take a serious toll on your lungs over time.
Debunking Common Dental Myths is Important
Going to the dentist is all about preventative care before any problems arise. Knowing that these common dental myths are actually untrue can help you take the initiative before making your next dental appointment. That’s why it’s important to always get your regular check-ups as often as your dentist recommends. The more you know, the better you can care for your oral health.
If you have any questions about concerns or any myths in general, contact North View Dental and they will be more than happy to help you work through them. Please never feel judged and don’t hesitate!
