As experienced South Perth dentists, the Aardent team has heard almost every dental misconception. We thought we would compile a list of our favourite myths and debunk them.
While dental hygiene is essential, there are so many misconceptions out there that it’s hard to choose which ones to include. These misconceptions confuse or lead people to believe certain things about the dentist or their teeth that aren’t true.
Good oral hygiene is simple, so to help you tell the difference between fact and fiction, our Vic Park Dentists have gone through some of the most common dental myths to expose the truth and explain what you should be doing.
MYTH – You don’t need to floss
Can you hear that sound? That’s our dentists crying into their mouthwash. We recommend flossing as a practical and essential part of good dental hygiene.
Brushing alone can’t always reach the small gaps between the teeth, where food particles, debris, and bacteria get trapped. If you don’t remove them, it can lead to oral health issues such as decay. Regular flossing or using interdental brushes are highly effective at removing stubborn food particles and bacteria that can build up between the teeth.
MYTH – You need to brush hard to get your teeth clean
Whether using a manual or electric toothbrush, brushing your teeth too hard can be highly damaging instead of making your teeth cleaner. Some of the issues brushing too hard can cause include bleeding and receding gums, as well as the erosion of the tooth’s hard enamel that helps to protect it from decay and cavities.
Instead of aggressively brushing your teeth, be sure to use a soft or medium-bristle brush or toothbrush head and apply a gentle amount of pressure across all the surfaces of the teeth, focusing on them individually rather than in large scrubbing motions. An electric toothbrush is often an effective way of cleaning your teeth without the abrasiveness of hand scrubbing.
MYTH – Only change your toothbrush when the bristles are out of shape
Over time, toothbrushes or toothbrush heads lose effectiveness as the bristles shed, fray or bend out of shape, leaving behind plaque that can lead to dental issues.
Whilst it might not always be easy to remember exactly how much time has passed since you last changed your toothbrush head, doing so is very important, so always set yourself a reminder or note down ahead of time on your calendar a little reminder of when you need to change it.
MYTH – Diet drinks don’t damage your teeth
This myth is particularly damaging. Although choosing diet soft drinks is often preferable above the high-calorie, sugar-laden alternatives, they are far from a ‘healthy’ choice. Diet beverages tend to be highly acidic, which can lead to the erosion of the tooth’s protective layer of enamel.
If you can’t skip the diet soft drinks, then try to drink them through a straw when you can to help minimise the amount of contact they have with the teeth. This simple act can help to limit any potential damage.
MYTH – Only go to the dentist when you have a problem
This is a myth that many dentist-avoiding adults seem to want to follow, but when it comes to your teeth, there is one obvious fact: prevention is better than cure!
Even if your teeth look and feel fine, you might be surprised just how many issues can lurk there undetected. The longer they go unchecked and untreated, the worse they will get.
Regular check-ups with your South Perth dentist can help deal with potential issues early on with non-invasive or minimal treatment, stopping things such as decay, plaque, and gum disease before they’re too far gone. Suppose you wait until there is a notable issue before you go to the dentist. In that case, it can lead to tooth loss, root canals, or extractions that could have been easily prevented. Cosmetic dentistry to replace decayed and broken teeth can become expensive.
MYTH – Poor oral health only affects your mouth
Many people are surprised to discover this myth is false, as we associate dental issues with only affecting our teeth, mouth and gums. The truth is that certain oral health conditions can either lead to issues in other parts of the body or significantly increase your chances of developing them, such as;
- Cardiovascular disease
- Heart attack
- Certain types of cancer
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Dementia
Never take your oral hygiene for granted. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, visit your dentist regularly, and keep a close eye out for any issues, pain, or discomfort.
MYTH – Dental fillings are painful
One of the most common myths about dental fillings is that the procedure is painful. However, due to modern advancements in dentistry, the process is now more comfortable than ever before.
Before the procedure begins, our experienced dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the treated area. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the filling placement. Our team is highly skilled in providing gentle, painless injections to ensure comfort.
Why choose Aardent Dental Centre as your South Perth dentist?
We pride ourselves on providing excellent dental care at Aardent Dental Centre tailored to your needs. Our friendly team can meet almost all dental needs in-house. However, we will refer you to other practitioners if and when necessary. Our experienced, welcoming team is ready to take care of you; all you need to do is pick up the phone and book an appointment.
Aardent Dental Centre has 30 years of experience providing outstanding dental services in Vic Park, Perth, from emergency dental services to improving your smile through cosmetic dentistry.
Contact us today, and we’ll show you why the Aardent Dental Centre team is respected among dentists in Victoria Park and South Perth.
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