Our teeth are a major part of our appearance. But they don’t just serve a cosmetic purpose. It’s thanks to our teeth that we’re able to bite into that juicy apple or enjoy eating corn off the cob. It’s important that we take care of them so that we can keep our teeth healthy and able to do their job effectively. It can save us a lot of unnecessary pain and discomfort (not to mention the dentist bills).
But a lot of us have grown up with stories of how our teeth could get damaged in certain ways. It’s time to get your facts straight.
Myths About Teeth That You Should Stop Believing
1. Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed
People normally expect to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, that’s not always the case. If they come up straight without any overcrowding or alignment problems, you don’t need to get them extracted.
2. Pregnant Women Can’t Visit The Dentist
There are some treatments like antibiotics or painkillers that may be harmful to the fetus so it’s always mandatory to let your dentist know that you are pregnant. Besides these concerns, most procedures are safe. Today’s local anesthetics are generally harmless to the mother and the baby.
3. Milk Teeth Don’t Need To Be Taken Care Of
Just because they’re going to fall out, doesn’t mean they don’t need to be taken care of. A deep enough cavity can result in an infection that can affect the permanent tooth which comes up in its place. Besides this, you can use them to teach your children proper dental hygiene from a young age. This way, they know how to take care of their permanent teeth when they start growing.
4. There’s No Such Thing As Brushing Too Much
Your teeth are covered with a thick coating called enamel which protects it from the harsher foods that we eat. Brushing too vigorously can remove the enamel on your teeth exposing them to harmful substances. Not to mention, this can cause damage to your gums as well.
5. It’s Too Late For Braces
If you’re an adult, you may think that you’re much too old to get braces to align your teeth. The truth is that teeth can be corrected with braces well into your thirties. If you have any concerns, talk to your orthodontist to see what your options are.
6. Sugary Sweets Are The Enemy
Yes, high sugar treats are harmful but lots of healthy foods also contain natural sugars which can be equally damaging. The safest way to avoid cavities is to brush your teeth thoroughly morning and night for at least 2 minutes. And always rinse between meals with water or a mouthwash to get rid of any remaining food that can build up plaque.
7. Bleeding Gums Are Caused By Flossing Or Brushing Too Hard
Bleeding gums can be caused by many things. Most likely they’re a result of inflammation and food left in between teeth. If anything they’re even more of a reason to floss. If you notice your gums bleeding persistently, get it checked out. Never treat bleeding or sensitive gums as a common phenomenon. It may be a symptom of an underlying condition.
8. Whiter Teeth Are Healthier Teeth
Teeth can come in various shades. They may be stained by certain types of foods but as long as you’re brushing regularly, there’s no reason to fret over the color of your teeth. White teeth are seen as desirable in our society but it’s merely a cosmetic treatment. Whitening your teeth doesn’t prevent cavities or maintain dental health.
9. You Should Brush Immediately After Eating
This is a misconception that can cause more damage than good. Right after eating, the foods that you eat are turning acidic. If you brush immediately, you’re only rubbing these acids into your teeth which can erode the enamel. Wait 30 minutes before brushing so that your saliva has a chance to wash away any remaining food so that plaque doesn’t build up.
Now that these tooth myths have been busted, you know how to keep those pearly whites shining!
