Myths and legends are everywhere, including in dentistry. We've heard it all here at Biggleswade Dental Centre from how apples are the next best thing to brushing to
Read on to break down the 5 most common myths and if there's any merit behind them.
1. "Diet sodas are okay to drink because they don’t have sugar in them.”
Though diet sodas don’t have cavity-causing sugars in them, they still are highly acidic. Our mouth has acid-loving bacteria that contribute to cavities. Diet sodas have a pH level of about 2-3, while water is neutral at a pH level of 7 (for reference battery acid is very acidic at a pH level of 0).
The acid in diet soda eats away at enamel (the outer protective layer of our tooth surface) causing tooth sensitivity. Some people tend to slowly sip their sodas throughout the day, which is actually more hazardous. Every time you take a sip, the bacteria in your mouth begins to work with the acid and attack your enamel. It takes about 20 minutes for your mouth to neutralize that acid again and each time you sip that 20-minute attack starts over.
Besides soda, other acidic beverages like orange juices, citrus juices, etc. can also cause similar damage. The healthiest alternatives to keep your body hydrated are water, vegetable juice, and milk.
2. “Oral health is not connected to the rest of the body.”
Your oral health is connected to your systemic (overall) health and there are many correlations between your mouth and body. A mouth with severe tooth decay and periodontal disease is more likely to cause bacteria to enter into the bloodstream and result in other health issues.
Studies have found a link between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more.
3. White teeth are healthy teeth
Although you might like the look of white teeth, they aren’t always a fool-proof sign of dental health! Natural teeth colour varies in lightness, especially as we age. Just because your teeth are white doesn't mean you can avoid visiting the dentist. You may still have cavities, infections or other oral health problems that need to be treated sooner rather than later
4. Braces are just for kids
Although it’s common for children and teens to receive orthodontic treatment, more and more adults are getting in on the orthodontic action.
The days of train-track braces are long gone. Advances in clear braces now offer a more discreet option for adults who weren’t able to address their orthodontic issues when they were younger. Systems such as Invisalign give you the ability to remove the aligners for eating, speaking or special occasions.
5. We always know if we have a cavity in a tooth
Yes, there are a number of obvious signs that you might have a dental cavity. These range from tooth sensitivity, toothache, discolouration, difficulty chewing or you might even be able to see a visible hole. However, it’s also true that sometimes you might not feel any pain at all. This can lead to bigger issues particularly if the cavity is left to become larger and it starts encroaching on the nerve (the pulp) inside your tooth.
That’s why regular dental check-ups including x-rays are so important. Your local dentist can detect potential problems early and recommend the appropriate treatment to ensure small issues don’t become big ones!
What dental myths have you heard? Post in the comments and don't forget to share this post and follow us for more!
