Nothing is more frustrating than spending time applying dental hygiene facts and tips you learn from the internet or trying to build habits based on them but discovering later that they were based on another piece of internet hearsay. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you might think!
In this blog, Dr. Noorbakhsh’s Dental Clinic aim to clarify some of the most common dental myths and misconceptions.
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!!! Note !!!
These myths are sourced from peer-reviewed scientific articles published in reputable journals, and expert dentists have verified their accuracy.
Here are some of these common dental myths and facts about them:
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ToggleMyths About Tooth Decay and Its Causes
- ❌ Dental decay occurs because my teeth are soft.
Tooth decay is caused by bacterial activity, poor oral hygiene, and sugar intake, not the inherent softness of teeth.
- ❌ The main reason for tooth decay is inheriting weak teeth from parents.
While genetics play a role, tooth decay is primarily due to lifestyle, hygiene, and diet.
- ❌ Iron drops for children cause tooth decay.
Iron drops can stain teeth but do not cause decay. Proper brushing can minimize staining.
Myths About Milk Teeth
- ❌ Decay in milk teeth requires no treatment as they are going to fall anyways.
Untreated decay in milk teeth can lead to pain, infection, and issues with permanent teeth.
- ❌ Baby teeth are temporary, so fixing them is just an unnecessary expense for parents.
Healthy primary teeth are essential for the proper development of permanent teeth. Neglecting baby teeth can cause long-term dental problems.
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Myths About Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- ❌ With each pregnancy, the mother will lose a tooth.
Pregnancy hormones may affect gums, but tooth loss is preventable with dental care. Proper oral care prevents tooth loss during pregnancy.
- ❌ During breastfeeding, the mother’s teeth are damaged sooner because calcium is dissolved and absorbed from the mother’s teeth.
Calcium is taken from bones, not teeth. Good oral hygiene and diet prevent dental damage.
- ❌Dentists won’t provide treatment during pregnancy
Some women believe dentists will refuse to see them or provide treatment while pregnant due to concerns about the safety of procedures and medications.
- ❌X-rays are harmful during pregnancy
There are misconceptions about the safety of dental X-rays during pregnancy, with women believing they should avoid X-rays entirely, despite professional guidelines indicating they can be done safely.
Myths About Dental Treatment and Procedure
- ❌ Any tooth pain due to decay, it is better to extract rather than save it.
Saving a tooth with treatments like fillings or root canals is better for oral health.
- ❌ A tooth once treated does not require any more treatment.
Treated teeth still need regular care and may require maintenance.
- ❌ Scaling of the teeth (removing the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline) is harmful because it causes loose teeth, their sensitivity to cold, heat, and damage to the gums.
Scaling improves gum health by removing harmful buildup. Temporary sensitivity is normal.
- ❌ Preparation of dental radiographs is harmful to the body because of radiation. Therefore, root canal therapy is better done without X-rays.
The radiation from dental X-rays is minimal. Dental X-rays are safe and essential for accurate diagnosis.
- ❌ Extraction of teeth of the upper jaw causes loss of vision.
Tooth extraction has no impact on vision.
Myths About Dental Hygiene
- ❌ The more you brush using hard bristles, the whiter your teeth become.
Hard brushing can damage enamel and gums. Soft-bristled brushes are best.
- ❌ Bleeding of gums is normal during brushing.
Bleeding gums often indicate gum disease or inflammation.
- ❌ Brushing is harmful, especially at night, and instead, one can use a finger to rub teeth.
Brushing at night is essential; finger rubbing is ineffective. Read more about optimal oral hygiene routine.
- ❌ Bad breath (Halitosis) is caused by digestive or respiratory issues, not oral and dental problems. Therefore, I will visit a gastroenterologist, an internal medicine specialist, or an ENT doctor for treatment.
Most bad breath originates from oral hygiene issues; consult a dentist first.
Myths About Home Remedies
- ❌ Placing cloves in a decayed tooth always relieves pain.
Clove oil may provide temporary relief but doesn’t treat the cause.
- ❌ Swelling caused by a painful tooth should be fomented with hot water.
Heat can worsen dental infections; cold compresses are better for swelling.
- ❌ Chewing of pan (betel leaf with additives) is good for oral health.
Pan chewing increases the risk of oral cancer and gum disease. Also, the harmful effects on oral health outweigh any perceived digestive benefit.
- ❌Placing an aspirin on the gum near a sore tooth can relieve discomfort.
This practice can cause gum irritation or burns and is not recommended.
Myths About Oral Cancer
- ❌Only aged people get cancer in the mouth.
Oral cancer can affect people of all ages, especially tobacco users.
- ❌Smoking does not cause mouth cancer because I know people who have smoked for many years but never got this disease.
Smoking is a major risk factor for oral cancer, though risk varies by individual. Read more about oral hygiene tips for smokers.
Myths About Dental Visits
- ❌ If I am not in pain, I do not need to visit the dentist.
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing issues before they cause pain.
- ❌ All dental treatments are painful.
Modern dentistry minimizes pain with anesthesia and advanced techniques.
- ❌ Going to an unregistered dentist or an experimental dental assistant for dental treatments is better because the services provided by them are cheaper.
Unqualified treatments can cause serious harm. Certified professionals ensure safe, evidence-based care.
Have you heard any dental myths or misconceptions?
Share them in the comments, and we’ll discuss them and get expert insights for you! Let’s debunk myths together and promote healthy smiles! 😊
References
- Sharma, R., Mallaiah, P., Margabandhu, S., Umashankar, G. K., & Verma, S. (2015). Dental myth, fallacies and misconceptions and its association with socio-dental impact locus of control scale. International Journal of Preventive and Public Health Sciences, 1(2), 1-7.
doi: 10.17354/ijpphs/2015/11
- Detman, L. A., Cottrell, B. H., & Denis-Luque, M. F. (2010). Exploring Dental Care Misconceptions and Barriers in Pregnancy. Birth, 37(4), 318–324.
doi:10.1111/j.1523-536x.2010.00427.x
- Seyed Hosein Tabatabaei, Shahab Al-din Aboutalebi Koshkeno, farinaz sabaghzadegan et al. Misconceptions about Oral Health and Dentistry: Attitude of Clients at Yazd Dental School in 2023, 27 June 2024, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square [https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4492159/v1]