7 Common Dental Myths and Misconceptions
People have several myths regarding dental treatments which leads to overthinking and creates a form of fear towards receiving the dental treatments which will definitely prove to be harmful in the future due to worsening of the condition. Here are some of the myths stated below related to dental health which can educate the people and allow them to make the right decision at the right and necessary time.
Myths Regarding Dental Treatments
Myth
Not to Brush Teeth During Bleeding Gums
Fact
Bleeding gums are an indication of unhealthy gums and poor oral hygiene. At this point of time, it is advisable to visit your dentist and get your oral check-up done. In this condition, you should brush your teeth with a soft bristle brush to remove plaque from the teeth and the gingival sulcus because plaque present on the teeth contains bacteria which is responsible for the bleeding gums will also further demineralize the tooth material and will cause dental caries and destruction to the other oral structures surrounding the teeth. The dentist will perform oral prophylaxis and other needful treatments so that the inaccessible areas for brushing are also thoroughly made free of plaque and calculus.
Myth
Charcoal, Neem Twigs, Abrasive Powders Are Better Than Toothpaste
Fact
Many people around the world think that various brushing materials other than toothpaste like charcoal, neem twigs, and abrasive powders are very healthy for teeth and they will make the teeth stronger and noncarious. The toothpaste contains the appropriate size of the particles used in it so that they don’t abrade the teeth layers while, on the other hand, the charcoal and other abrasive powders contain large and coarse particles which will damage the enamel in the long run. Toothpaste contains fluorides and anti-tartar chemicals which are helpful in preventing plaque formation to some extent. Hence, try to use ADA (American Dental Association) specified toothpaste for brushing your teeth twice daily to maintain good oral hygiene.
Myth
Oral Prophylaxis Will Make The Teeth Loose
Fact
Most of the people think that oral prophylaxis will make the teeth loose and hence they try to avoid going for cleaning. But the fact is, the instruments which are used for oral prophylaxis like ultrasonic scalers don’t have cutting edges they only have vibrating tips which will only remove the calculus and don’t damage the enamel layer of the teeth. Being afraid of scaling and not visiting the dentist for the same will worsen the oral health and leads to many problems. Each and every person should undergo scaling process every 6 months because the calculus formed cannot be removed with the brush or any other mouthwashes etc.
Myth
Tooth Extraction Affects Vision
Fact
Tooth extraction will lead to vision abnormalities is only a misconception, there are no such studies for proving it as true. Extraction of teeth is no way related to the vision because the eye and the teeth are not connected to each other in a direct way so, it’s better to be knowledgeable about only the proven facts and not the misconceptions which will ultimately ruin your dental health.
Myth
Dental Treatments are Always Painful
Fact
In the Olden days due to the absence of local anesthesia, the people used to suffer during their dental treatments. But nowadays, science has advanced in such a way that people can unhesitantly undergo difficult surgeries. Due to the development of Local anesthetic agents, the dental procedures became easy both for the dentist and the patient. There are even topical anesthetic agents in the form of sprays and gels which will make the area numb prior to the administration of the injection which helps the people not to experience even the needle prick also.
Myth
Should Not Undergo Dental Treatments During Pregnancy
Fact
This misconception will make the pregnant woman more vulnerable to oral health problems and will suffer from dental problems. Only dental x-rays and other major surgeries are avoided during pregnancy other than these the pregnant women can undergo dental procedures without fear. Even oral prophylaxis will help them to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent them from suffering from different gum problems during pregnancy due to increased levels of some hormones.
Myth
Scaling Will Lead To Sensitivity
Fact
Scaling will help in removing the plaque and calculus from the teeth and gingival sulcus and ultimately helps in maintaining good oral hygiene. The bacteria present in the calculus will demineralize the teeth and leads to the destruction of enamel which leads to sensitivity. When the calculus is removed during the scaling procedure the demineralized tooth is exposed to the external environment making the patient to feel sensitive for some time. So, this is to be kept in mind that the sensitivity is caused due to calculus and not due to the scaling procedure.