Many misconceptions have spread about oral health care. These myths can affect your dental care and hinder your at-home oral health techniques that keep your mouth healthy. Understanding myths from facts can help you optimize your oral health.
Myth: Tooth Loss is Caused by Genetics
Although many believe tooth loss is genetic, cavities are the number one cause, which can be highly prevented through proper oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing, dental cleanings, and preventative care can help you to avoid tooth loss. At Life-Centered Dentistry, we look forward to providing you and your family with preventive and restorative dental care.
Myth: Oral Health Is Not Connected to General Health
Gum disease causes bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and prompt more severe conditions, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. General health is also connected to oral health. Diabetes and HIV/AIDS can affect the body’s ability to resist infection, making dental issues more common.
Myth: It Does Not Matter When You Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session is necessary. Brushing your teeth before and after you sleep is essential because the antibacterial saliva production slows when you sleep, making your teeth more vulnerable to gum disease and cavity-causing irritants.
Myth: Brushing Your Teeth with Extra Care Before Your Dental Visit Will Hide Poor Habits
No matter how excessively you clean your teeth before your dentist appointment, your dentist will be able to notice how you have regularly cared for your teeth in the last six months or more. They can see your flossing and brushing habits and detect your smoking and pop consumption. Hard tartar on the teeth indicates poor brushing. If you do not floss, the gums will appear swollen, red, and bleed.
Myth: Crowns Protect You from Future Decay
Crowns protect your teeth but can not prevent the teeth from future decay. Dental restoration can help solve specific problems with the tooth but does not make the tooth less likely to develop future decay. Decay on the same tooth can be more expensive and more challenging to treat, making proper dental hygiene important.
Myth: X-Rays are Dangerous
Dental X-rays are safe because they contain a minimal amount of radiation. The benefits of having a small amount of exposure but healthy teeth outweigh the cons of not getting dental X-rays. X-rays help your dentist identify gum disease, tumors, cavities, and changes in your hard and soft tissues. Life-Centered Dentistry has digital X-rays which have less radiation than 20 minutes in the sun.
Myth: It is Bad to Go to The Dentist When Pregnant
When you are pregnant, your hormone changes can increase your risk of developing gum disease. During pregnancy, around half of women develop gingivitis, making oral health more critical during this time.
Myth: You Only Need to Visit the Dentist When You Have an Issue
Early stages of gum disease and cavities can go unnoticed until they visibly progress. If you drink, smoke, and consume a lot of sugar, then your teeth are more vulnerable to dental issues. Getting routine checkups with Dr. Eryn Huber or Dr. Ludwig every six months is essential to avoid more extreme dental problems in the long run. These maintenance appointments can prevent pain and expensive treatments in the future.
Myth: Teeth Whitening is Damaging for Your Teeth
Teeth whitening is not always damaging to your teeth. Our team at Life-Centered Dentistry will recommend the correct teeth whitening option for you. You can over-whiten your teeth with over-the-counter products or with a professional kit. Consulting with a dental professional at our office is important before any whitening treatments. Cosmetic dentistry at Life-Centered Dentistry can provide teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, enamel shaping, cosmetic bonding, teeth straightening, and even Botox.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are looking for a Dentist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, contact us today by calling 616-344-0578 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eryn Huber or Dr. Ludwig. Whether you are looking for preventative or restorative care or have a dental emergency, our staff at Life-Centered Dentistry look forward to helping you achieve the smile you deserve.