Fact or Fiction? Five Popular Tooth Myths Debunked

Forget the tooth fairy! Far too many tales are being told about teeth and it's time to clear the air. Popular claims that range from scary to wacky and everything in between are about to be debunked. Find out if you've been acting on bad advice.

1. "White teeth are healthy teeth."

Pearlier does not necessarily mean healthier. In some instances, extremely white teeth can signal a lack of calcium or an excessive intake of fluorides. Whitening ingredients integrated in many toothpaste and mouthwash products can also create the image of perfection, but don't let your brighter smile deceive you. Just beyond the surface may lurk cavities, gum disease and other dental issues.

2. "Pregnant women should hold off on dental care until after the baby is born."

On the contrary, getting regular professional dental care, if not increasing the number of visits, is strongly encouraged during this time. According to the American Dental Association, pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis, a condition caused by an infection of the gums that can result in bleeding, sensitivity and loss of tooth support. "Pregnancy tumors", or mulberry-shaped lumps between the teeth can also emerge, although they are non-cancerous. They should go away after pregnancy, but can also be removed by an aesthetician. Pregnant women should be sure to inform their dentist of their pregnancy so treatment plans can be adjusted accordingly. Certain procedures and medications may be tabled to avoid any risks to the baby's health.

3. "Food that is too hot or cold will crack your teeth."

Yes, cracks or "craze lines" can be a result of extreme temperature changes absorbed by your teeth, but these are typically too shallow to pose a major threat to your oral health. If you do spot a crack, it's always wise to have a dentist look at it; in the rare instance that the crack is a deep one, chewing can cause it to widen and expose sensitive nerves.

4. "Don't worry too much about brushing baby teeth, because they fall out anyway."

Yes, baby teeth eventually fall out — but passing poor dental habits on to your child can cause a lifetime of oral health problems. Teaching your child to brush and floss regularly can save him or her from painful cavities and gum disease now and in the future.

5. "Bleaching your teeth is bad for you."

Nowadays, in-office bleaching services use PH neutral solutions that are perfectly safe for your teeth. The treatment may cause tooth sensitivity, but only temporarily. If anything, it is the popular whitening trays bought over the counter that may prove problematic; prolonged immersion of the teeth in highly concentrated gels can cause lasting trauma. There is always a chance that an element of truth exists in the things you hear, but unless the advice comes from your dentist, don't let it impact your approach to oral care. Get a professional opinion on dental matters or questions that interest you during your next appointment, or if you're pressed for time, call your dentist for immediate clarification.

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Sources: Borreli, L. (2014, October 10). Oral Hygiene: 6 Dental Care Myths That May Be killing Your Pearly Whites.Retrieved June 1, 2015 from http://www.medicaldaily.com/oral-hygiene-6-dental-care-myths-may-be-killing-your-pearly-whites-306697 Davis, H. (n.d.). 8 Popular Tooth Myths Debunked. Retrieved June 1, 2015 at http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/g1249/8-popular-tooth-myths-debunked/

Oral Health and Myth

A New York Dental Office, we are regularly asked questions about oral health, and some of the things we hear are based on myth rather than reality. It is normal for dental myths to circulate throughout the community, but a few can lead to unhealthy habits, so it is important to visit our dental office to ask questions if you have them. This way, we can make sure you are armed with the correct information that can lead to healthy teeth and gums. In the meantime, here are some truths you should know.

Myth #1: Natural sugar is not bad for your teeth.

The Truth – All sugar is bad for your teeth. Whether it is found in fruit juice, honey, etc., the more sugar and starch that you eat and drink, the more likely you are to get cavities. We recommend that you brush your teeth after eating and rinse your mouth after drinking juice, milk, or anything else high in sugar.

Myth #2: Baby teeth do not matter since they are going to fall out anyway.

The Truth – Baby teeth are incredibly important. We encourage parents to take care of their children’s baby teeth by brushing and flossing them on a daily basis and visiting our dental office for a professional cleaning once or twice a year. This allows us to keep their teeth healthy and cavity-free. Remember that your child’s teeth will hurt if they get a cavity, just like it would if you got a cavity. Taking care of them is not optional if you want to keep your children healthy and comfortable.

Myth #3: If my gums bleed, I should avoid brushing them.

The Truth – Gums that bleed typically do so because of gum disease. Yes, you can irritate your gums by brushing too aggressively, but if you are applying steady pressure, they should be fine. Brushing them is a way to help them return to better health because any plaque that is presently irritating them needs to be removed. If they continue to bleed, visit our office for a dental examination and deep cleaning.

Myth #4: Hard toothbrushes are the best for your teeth.

The Truth – It is easy to understand why it would seem like hard toothbrushes are the best. In truth, they can damage your teeth. Aggressive brushing can lead to erosion, and when the enamel erodes, it will not grow back. When too much of it is lost, you could have sensitive teeth that can only be helped with another dental procedure, such as the placing of a dental crown or a bonding procedure. To protect your teeth and keep them clean, we recommend using a soft or electronic toothbrush. By brushing with even pressure for two minutes at a time, you can get your teeth sparkling clean without the risk of being too aggressive.

We invite you to call New York Dental Office and schedule an appointment to ask all your oral health questions at 212-838-6226. This way, you can receive the information you need for lifelong oral health while making sure you are not operating under any dental myths.