Some health fields are more mysterious than others, but the fact remains: dentistry is full of oral health misinformation. Regardless of how or why these incorrect “facts” continue to haunt the minds of innocent patients, it’s important to debunk them so you can make informed dental decisions.
Don your best trench coat and grab a magnifying glass, because it’s time to get to the bottom of these five common myths!
#1. “Sugar-Free Sodas Are Safe for Teeth”
Sugar isn’t the only substance that can harm your teeth. Foods and beverages that are acidic will wear down your enamel when enjoyed in excess. Replacing a soda addiction with a sugar-free soda addiction won’t do your oral health any favors.
#2. “Dentures Are Only for Seniors”
Anyone who needs to replace some or all of their teeth can benefit from dentures. It’s not like young people don’t lose teeth! Injury, gum disease, and tooth decay can affect any age, and replacing dental gaps with full or partial dentures can help prevent further loss.
#3. “Whitening Toothpastes Work as Advertised”
Whitening toothpastes (and kits, for that matter) found in the store technically lift some surface-level stains. But is it the dramatic transformation most people are looking for? No. And if your stains have settled deeper in your dental layers, you’re out of luck as far as over-the-counter products are concerned. Your dentist’s whitening equipment and skills are much, much more effective.
#4. “Root Canals Are Super Painful”
To be fair, root canals might very well have been less-than-comfortable in the distant past. But considering effective local anesthetics have been used in dentistry since 1905, “distant” means pretty distant. At any rate, while pain is subjective, most patients report experiencing little to no discomfort during their root canals.
#5. “Baby Teeth Aren’t Important”
Baby teeth don’t just grow in for show! They help infants practice speech and chewing, and actually help guide adult teeth into place. Losing them early due to cavities should be avoided, so it’s still important to brush them.
Bonus Round: “You Don’t Really Need to Visit Your Dentist Biannually”
Wrong! During a routine checkup, your dentist does two things. First, they examine your mouth for red flags that might indicate you have a serious oral condition that needs attention. Catching issues like gum disease and tooth decay early helps prevent dental disasters like tooth loss. Second, they give your pearly whites a thorough scrub. Good oral hygiene at home is vital, but only your dentist can remove harmful plaque and tartar.
Nice job, sleuths! Debunking dental myths is hard work. Remember that you’re never alone in the fight against misinformation. Your dentist is an oral health expert and would be happy to help you double-check what you find!
About the Practice
Drs. Malcolm Murray and Ahmed Saadoon want to ensure you receive the best oral care possible. Part of that means pursuing continuing education so they can sharpen their skills and expand their expertise. The other part of that means tailoring each patient’s treatment to effectively meet their unique needs. Since this requires teamwork, Dr. Murray and Dr. Saadoon make sure patients are empowered to make well-informed dental decisions. To contact their office and schedule an appointment, call 703-934-5540.
