Enjoying March Mayhem? Score Big by Debunking Common Oral Care Myths With a Dentist

Spring cleaning should also extend to your teeth! Make this the season you give your teeth the care and attention they need. Interestingly, your oral health may be suffering simply because of some common oral care myths. There's a lot your dentist wants you to know about when it comes to fact versus fiction for oral care. While the rest of the country is cheering for their favorite basketball teams during March Mayhem, you could be gearing up for a summer of bright smiles after we debunk these top five myths that are hurting your teeth.

Myth #1: You Don't Have to Worry About Cavities If You Don't Eat Lots of Sugar

The Truth: While we applaud your diligence in being careful about sugar, it's not enough to keep your mouth immune to cavities. Yes, sugar contributes heavily to cavities and tooth decay. However, cavities actually form whenever bacteria in your mouth feed on any type of carbohydrate. That means we're vulnerable whenever we eat fruit, bread, crackers, and most of the foods we all consume on a daily basis. As bacteria feasts on carbs, it produces acid that wears down the enamel that protects our teeth.

There's not much we can do to stop bacteria from acting. However, good oral hygiene habits can prevent bacteria buildup that will lead to enamel loss and plaque. Brush and floss twice daily. If possible, floss and brush whenever you munch on snacks throughout the day. Prioritizing fruits and vegetables over processed carbohydrates can also help to prevent bacteria from clinging to your teeth during times when you know it will be a while before you can brush again.

Myth #2: I Need to Stop Flossing If My Gums Bleed

The Truth: The opposite is true! If your gums are tender and bleeding after flossing, this actually means you need to ramp up your flossing habits. Bleeding gums indicate that you're on the path to early gum disease or gingivitis. The bleeding you're seeing is a response to inflammation caused by plaque buildup.

What should you do if your gums are bleeding? Keep up with flossing! Be gentle if gums feel tender. In most cases, you'll notice that the bleeding will actually stop within a few days. If pain and bleeding persist, it's time to phone your dentist to come in for an appointment.

Myth #3: It's Stupid to Treat Baby Teeth Because They're Just Going to Fall Out

The Truth: Yes, it's true that baby teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth, and this fact does influence how baby teeth are treated when there's decay. However, issues with baby teeth shouldn't be ignored just because these teeth aren't permanent. Baby teeth help to create the infrastructure for a fully formed adult mouth. Babies, toddlers, and children all rely on their teeth for speech development. What's more, proper chewing is vital for healthy digestion and nutrient absorption during the growing years. Let's not forget that ignoring baby teeth can lead to pain and infections that can turn into medical problems. Finally, many parents don't realize that baby teeth are important placeholders. Ignoring baby teeth can actually cause or exacerbate alignment issues in adult teeth. 

Good oral hygiene starts young. When parents are proactive about oral care, they set their kids up for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth. Our dental practice is proud to offer comprehensive dental services for infants, children, and teens. Bring the whole family for a visit!

Myth #4: Whitening Toothpaste Is Just as Good as a Professional Whitening

The Truth: There's nothing wrong with wanting to use at-home whitening toothpaste. Just be aware that these products only remove surface stains. That means that the results will fade once you resume your habit of drinking coffee or eating lots of pigment-rich fruit. If you're constantly using whitening toothpaste, this can be very abrasive to teeth over time, causing damage. If you want to change the actual color of your teeth, only professional whitening treatments penetrate deep enough to do this. Ask us about the professional whitening services available at our office for bright, long-lasting results.

Schedule your next appointment with Dental Arts of South Jersey by calling (856) 324-3361. We looking forward to hearing from you!