We can’t go a single day at our New Albany dentist office without one of our patients asking us to verify something they read about on the internet. While there is plenty of good information out there you simply can’t trust everything you read online!
Today we want to go over five of the most common oral health myths we hear so that we can finally clear the air on these all-too-common questions. We hope that you’ll get an answer to something you’ve been wondering about for a while!
Myth: Only Older People Get Gum Disease
We wish this were true – then we could start targeting our older patients for help! Unfortunately, gum disease is prevalent for people of all ages. By the time you’re in your 30’s there’s a ten percent chance you’ll have developed it.
As you age your chances increase, and over the course of your life you have around a 60 percent likelihood of ending up with some form of gum disease. It doesn’t take much for it to develop – in fact, oral bacteria that causes gum disease starts irritating your gums in about 24 hours. Think about that next time you consider skipping your evening flossing!
Myth: Bleeding Gums When Brushing Isn’t That Serious
A lot of our patients come to us asking about bleeding when brushing. They often assume that it’s due to brushing too hard despite knowing that it’s a common symptom of gum disease. If that sounds like you then you need to re-evaluate what you know about gum disease!
If your gums are bleeding it’s almost definitely a sign of gum disease. Bleeding is one of the first things that show when you’re dealing with chronically inflamed gums, and any time you notice it you should be concerned about the impact on your oral health.
If you have gums that bleed when you brush don’t assume it will just go away – contact our New Albany office as soon as possible!
Myth: Whiter Teeth Are Healthier Teeth
We all know the impression that discolored and stained teeth give off, and it isn’t a good one. Don’t think that just because your teeth are discolored that you’re unhealthy, though – there’s no direct connection between the two.
Teeth whitening can rejuvenate your smile, but don’t think that it’s going to do anything for your overall oral health. If you’re unhappy with the look of your teeth we’d love to help you get a whiter smile but, plain and simple, there’s no reason to be worried about your oral health if your teeth are dull or stained.
Myth: You Don’t Need To See The Dentist If You Aren’t In Pain
This is a common misunderstanding – people assume that no pain = no problem, but that can actually be one of the most deceptive things about dental health. It’s possible to have a severe infection and not even realize it!
Gum disease, on the whole, doesn’t cause very much pain, and cavities don’t always hurt either. Even infections can remain pain-free for a while before they start causing serious problems. If you don’t see the dentist regularly there’s no way to know that you’re having serious complications, which in turn means you aren’t getting the help you need until it’s too late!
The best way to avoid a serious oral health problem is to be seen twice a year for an exam and cleaning. That’s how we detect problems early and treat them before your health is at risk.
Myth: You Should Always Brush Your Teeth After Eating
That’s another one that might surprise you – don’t ever brush your teeth after you eat! Any foods that contain sugar – and that’s a lot of them – leave you with softened enamel due to the acids that are produced by oral bacteria. If you brush your teeth within 30 minutes of eating you could actually be doing significant damage.
Rather than brushing we suggest chewing sugar-free gum or rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. Whatever you do don’t brush – that’s just an invitation to faster cavity development.
Keep The Facts Straight With Us
At New Albany Implants we love helping our patients understand the ins and outs of dental care. If you ever have any questions about your dental health don’t hesitate to contact us right away! You can reach our office at (812) 945-7645 or you can request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you!