Here at the Brush & Floss Dental Center, we love answering questions and helping people learn how to better care for their teeth. However, we often hear that our patients believe a lot of common dental myths that are actually harming their overall health. Today, Dr. Jeffrey C. Hoos is here to debunk these myths and offer healthy alternatives to get you the best smile possible!
“My gums are bleeding, so I shouldn’t brush my teeth.”
Bleeding gums are a sign of serious oral health problems, like gum disease. If your gums are bleeding after you brush, try and brush gently and with a soft toothbrush, and then call Dr. Hoos right away to schedule a check-up.
“If I lose a tooth, the site will heal itself.”
While it is true that eventually the hole in your gums will close up, the jawbone underneath will not. The jawbone is stimulated constantly by biting and chewing, so when a tooth goes missing, that portion of the bone struggles to grow and stay strong. So, while your gum may look okay on the surface, you need to worry about what is happening below. Dr. Hoos recommends dental implants to replace lost teeth, as these will keep the jawbone stimulated.
“I have a lot of plaque, so I’ll use a hard-bristle toothbrush and brush harder.”
Excessive plaque is often a sign of other problems. Poor nutrition, lazy dental hygiene and other oral diseases can cause plaque buildup. These issues often need to be examined and corrected by a professional in order to determine the proper line of care for you. Avoid using a hard-bristle toothbrush, as these can wear away at the enamel and irritate the gums.
“My teeth are white so they must be healthy.”
Popular media and advertising have lead us to believe that white teeth and health go hand-in-hand. While these are often related indeed, teeth whitening treatments to nor cure other oral diseases and dental issues. At the Brush & Floss Dental Center, we can provide you with both white teeth and improved health.
“My child can get dental implants if they are missing a tooth.”
Teenagers and children have bones that are not fully developed yet. This means that their jaws and skeletal structures are still going to move or shift. If they are still growing, a dental implant could cause damage to the jaw and prevent the proper formation, causing health issues down the line. If your child is missing a permanent tooth, make an appointment with Dr. Hoos so we can determine which treatment options are the healthiest.
Contact Us With Your Dental Myth!
Have you heard a dental rumor that you’re unsure about? Uncover the truth by speaking with Dr. Hoos. You will get the answers you need in order to best care for your smile here in Stratford.