When it comes to dental health, we all, for the most part, do our best to keep up with following the two-minute brush, twice a day with flossing and rinsing routine, but there are so many myths or old wives’ tales floating about it’s hard to determine what, exactly, we should be doing for optimal health of our teeth.
We asked some of our Top Dentists to debunk some of the myths that are floating about.
Myth #1
Bleaching weakens teeth.
Bleaching, if done properly by a licensed dental professional, will not weaken your teeth. Dental professionals are trained to know how and where to apply the bleach. If used improperly, it can cause tissue inflammation, teeth sensitivity and irregular results. Improper overuse can strip pigment or enamel from your teeth but it shouldn’t weaken the structure of the tooth itself. There is no reputable dental literature or research that says that the lower concentrations (10 percent) have irreversible damage. There are side effects, if administered improperly. Not everyone is a candidate for whitening. If you have a lot of old broken down fillings, sensitive teeth or worn teeth, you may want to consult your dentist. Be realistic of your expectations. Every tooth has a whitening plateau. If you want your teeth whiter, then you may want to consider conservative cosmetic veneers.
Consult with your dentist first which option is best for you. Find a dentist that understands your expectations and knows your mouth. -Tracey Nguyen, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.
Myth #2
You must brush after every meal.
While this is a nice idea, it is unrealistic and not completely necessary. The way I want patients to think is that the emphasis should be on brushing away bacteria, not food. So, if they can allow at least two minutes a day, twice a day, that would be sufficient. -Pamela Marzban D.D.S.
Myth #3
Bacteria from your toilet is getting on your toothbrush.
According to recent surveys, the average toothbrush contains more than 10 million bacteria, including E. coli and Staph.
Your toilet has a splash zone. Fecal matter and bacteria can spread the entire radius of the toilet area. The closer your toothbrush is to the toilet, the more likelihood of bacteria falling on your toothbrush. Pushing the handle can send particles splashing and floating as far as six feet away, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
Close the lid when you flush. A recent study found that there were 12 times more germs around lidless toilets than those drained with the top down.
Change your toothbrush every 3 months. Throw away your toothbrush when you’re sick. Don’t put your toothbrush in the dishwasher. -Tracey Nguyen, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.
Myth #4
The health of your teeth are genetic.
Genetics plays a large role in the health of your teeth; however, it is only one variable amongst others that you should look at if you are trying to create an equation that can result in a stable and healthy mouth. Factors such as nutrients you were exposed to during childhood development, homecare, diet, medications, routine dental visits, salivary function and alignment of your bite are all important keys to consider and should not be overlooked if you are looking for longevity. If you have been told “you have soft teeth,” it doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel because there are so many things under your control that you can do to have a beautiful and healthy smile that can stand the test of time. -Pamela Marzban D.D.S.
Myth #5
Chewing sugar-free gum can replace brushing your teeth.
Throughout the day, our teeth are constantly going through a process of demineralization (causing cavities) and remineralization (strengthening of enamel). As we start to digest food and most beverages, our mouths shift to a more acidic state. This environment promotes gingivitis and softens or demineralizes enamel. Chewing sugar-free gum does not replace brushing but it can help mainly two ways:
It wakes up our salivary glands. Saliva helps to balance the pH of our mouths. It also has ions in it that reverse the demineralization of our enamel and functions as a wash to keep food from constantly ticking to our teeth.
The sticky nature of gum picks up food debris off our teeth after eating. Chewing gum does not remove bacteria from our mouth, and it is bacterial bi-products that cause tooth decay and gum disease. So while gum is helpful … definitely not a replacement. -Pamela Marzban D.D.S.
Myth #6
Forty percent of pregnant women have periodontal disease.
There are numerous studies that correlate low birth weight babies and pregnant mothers with periodontal disease.
Pregnant women must have regular exams with their dentist, and make sure they are free of the periodontal bacteria and the bacteria that causes cavities.
It is OK to have dental treatment while you are pregnant. Second trimester is the best time to have dental treatment. In rare cases, if a pregnant woman has a serious dental infection, they may need to be treated in a hospital.
Preventive treatment and necessary immediate dental treatment, such as extractions, root canals and restoration of untreated caries, which may also including dental X-rays (with shielding of the abdomen and thyroid) and local anesthesia, are safe during pregnancy.
For patients with vomiting, secondary to morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum or gastric reflux during late pregnancy, the use of antacids or rinsing with a baking soda solution (i.e., 1 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in 1 cup of water) may help neutralize the associated acid.
Some insurances cover three visits a year if a woman is pregnant. -Tracey Nguyen, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.
Myth #7
Visiting the dentist while pregnant can be harmful.
It is vitally important to visit the dentist while pregnant. The increase in hormone levels during pregnancy cause the gums to swell, bleed and trap food. Routine cleanings and minor dental treatment are safe and recommended. -Joseph Cavallo, D.D.S, F.A.G.D.
Myth #8
Having an Overbite is a Problem
Overbite, the vertical relationship of the upper and lower front teeth, is often the reason for a person to seek orthodontic treatment. So does every overbite require orthodontic treatment? Not necessarily. It all depends upon the situation. A slight to moderate overbite may function satisfactorily for one person and not for another. However, with an excessive overbite, the front teeth take the force of the bite and not the back teeth. The front teeth are used for biting or “tearing” the food. The back teeth are used to crush and break down the food. Excessive force on the front teeth can cause a breakdown of the supporting structures of the teeth like the gums and bone, not to mention excessive wear of the enamel. In these situations, orthodontic treatment is warranted with very beneficial psychological and aesthetic rewards. -William E. Crutchfield II, D.D.S.
Ideally, the upper front teeth are positioned slightly forward of the lower front teeth with a modest level of vertical overlap in order to achieve the best fit. Our teeth are perfectly shaped and sized to fit this way. Understandably, many patients assume that the upper and lower front teeth are supposed to be positioned edge-to-edge, as in a Teddy Roosevelt caricature. In reality, what looks like a slight overbite actually allows the front teeth to function almost like scissors and gives us the best looking and best working smile. -David R. Hughes, D.D.S.
Myth #9
Fluoride is not safe.
Fluoride strengthens the enamel of your teeth. Studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing tooth decay by at least 25 percent, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste. -Joseph Cavallo, D.D.S, F.A.G.D.
(November 2014)