Dispelling the common myths about dentistry
There are common misconceptions about dental health that may prevent you from seeking the proper dental treatment when you need it. At Soothing Care Dental, we want to bust some of the common myths about dentistry to help you improve your smile and self-confidence.
MYTH: White teeth are healthy teeth
FACT: Even though white teeth look great; they are not necessarily always healthy. Natural tooth colour varies in shade especially as we age and does not correlate directly with oral health status. This means that even if your teeth are white, there may still be active dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease that you cannot see. Don’t avoid visiting the dentist no matter how bright your teeth are!
MYTH: Braces are just for kids
FACT: Although it is common for children and teenagers to receive orthodontic treatment, this does not mean that adults cannot have treatment to straighten their teeth also. The days of train-track braces for adults are becoming a thing of the past as advances in clear braces, such as Invisalign, now offer a more discreet alternative for adults who weren’t able to address their orthodontic issues when they were younger. Your dentist can tell you which type of orthodontic treatment is best for your teeth.
MYTH: No need to brush baby teeth
FACT: All teeth, no matter how young, need brushing. It is important to start good brushing habits nice and early to ensure children have a life-long healthy smile. You can be gentle around baby teeth, but it is still important that you clean them to keep the teeth and the surrounding gum tissue healthy. Typically, the introduction of low-fluoride toothpastes is advised for children over 18 months of age, and then adult toothpaste once the child is over 6 years old.
MYTH: Flossing isn’t important
FACT: While brushing can help clean the surface of your teeth, the bristles will struggle to work their way in between your teeth. Flossing gets those hard-to-reach areas around your gums and cleans approximately one-third of your tooth surface. You should be flossing your teeth once a day.
MYTH: No problems mean you don’t need to visit the dentist
FACT: Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms like pain or sensitivity, it is important to still book a dental check-up twice per year. Teeth tartar (dental calculus) builds up around your teeth and must be cleaned away professionally or you may be prone to gum diseases. Your dentist can often spot issues like the early signs of tooth decay and cavities before they cause you trouble. Dentists can also spot more serious conditions like mouth cancers, which are painless at first. These conditions may go undetected until you book a check-up.
To dispel any concerns you have around your dental health, the best person to ask is your dentist. Contact Soothing Care Dental, your trusted local Drummoyne dental practice, if you have any enquires or to book your next visit.
