Working Through Dental Misconceptions
Today we want to talk about information and the way that it is shared in this day and age. Think about it: how many viral stories on the Internet do you read, share, reference and comment on every day? How many of them are accurate? How much do you really care if they are real? These are just some things to think about.
The point we are trying to make is that there is a lot of inaccurate information floating around. The more people pass it on, the more likely it is to be accepted as fact. This is true even when it comes to oral health issues. That’s why we always try to make use of this platform to provide helpful, straightforward information related to dentistry.
Today we will explore some common misconceptions and try to make sense of them for you. So, keep reading and then be sure to follow up with any questions you might have, and to schedule your next preventive appointment at Dores Dental of Longmeadow, MA!
Misconception: Fluoride Is Bad For You
This one circulates from time to time. But it just isn’t rooted in fact. In actuality, to receive any harmful effects from fluoride you would need to be exposed to twenty times more than you will likely get on a daily basis. The fluoride you’re exposed to isn’t only safe, it’s essential for good oral health because it rebuilds damaged tooth enamel. That’s a fact!
Misconception: You Can’t Wear Out Your Toothbrush
We know you might get attached to your toothbrush, but the truth is you have to replace it, fairly often. The American Dental Association recommends that you ditch your old toothbrush for a new one about every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. This will help you optimize the effectiveness of this preventive exercise.
Misconception: It’s Normal To Bleed When Brushing
Not so! In fact, there is no reason whatsoever for bleeding to occur while brushing! It’s not due to brushing too hard. If your gums are bleeding it’s most likely a sign of the early forms of gum disease (gingivitis). And you will want to take action before it gets any worse. Gum disease will cause your teeth to fall out and has been linked to serious health issues elsewhere in the body!
Misconception: Only Old People Get Gum Disease
Nope! You are never too young! Gum disease is a very real possibility for people of any age or background. The older you get, your chances increase, and over the course of your life you have a high likelihood of ending up with some form of gum disease. But you can change all that by coming to see Dr. Jim more often.
Misconception: Poor Oral Health Is Marked By Stained Teeth
Not so! Yellow, stained, or otherwise discolored teeth can make you feel self-conscious about smiling and less likely to socialize. But there really is no correlation between tooth color and health. While a professional teeth whitening treatment can help boost the appearance of your smile, it’s not going to do anything for your health.
Misconception: The Dentist Is Only Needed In Times Of Trouble
It’s true that we are here in times of trouble, but if you want to prevent problems in the first place, do yourself a favor and drop by our Longmeadow office on a regular basis. We want to see you often enough stay on top of the ever-evolving situation in your mouth. And we can help you avoid major oral health issues when you stop by every 3-6 months for a comprehensive exam and professional teeth cleaning. Prevention is key!
Misconception: You Need To Brush Your Teeth Right After Eating
Not true! This may seem counterintuitive but when you brush your teeth within a half hour of eating you could actually be doing significant damage because your enamel is softened by sugars, acids, etc. Still, you should be brushing at least twice each day for two minutes at a stretch.
Misconception: There Is No Permanent Solution Following Tooth Loss
This is false. Restorative dentistry can do much to bring back a smile to your face. Dr. Jim can set you up with long-lasting dental implants, dentures, and more.
Misconception: It’s Too Late For Me
No way! We can help you get back on track no matter what shape your mouth is in! Please call our Longmeadow, MA dental office today at 413-241-3995 to get started.