Every day we come across many patients that come to us with teeth-related complaints. Apart from oral problems, they all have one thing in common- Misconceptions related to Oral Health.
Recently a young patient of ours, let’s call her Ms. Radha, visited us at Prakash Dental Care located in HSR Layout, Bengaluru, because of a toothache. On check-up, we found that she had a cavity in her tooth, which required dental treatment.
Radha is very charming, curious, and loves to talk. She was shocked when we informed her that she needed treatment and said, ” But I brush my teeth twice a day! How can I have a cavity? My friend likes to eat sweets and consumes a lot, but her teeth are okay.” We answered her query and explained the facts. Stunned after hearing the answers, she decided to get all her facts checked. So today, we share five myths that Radha and most people think are true but are not.
- Eating Sweets & Candies Causes Cavities:
Cavities are not caused by sweets or candies but by poor oral hygiene. When the food gets stuck between your teeth, bacteria begin to eat up the sugar in your food and release cavity-causing acids. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and rinsing your mouth after having sweets and after every meal is the best way to keep bacteria away and in turn, prevent cavities from forming.
- Brushing is enough to have healthy teeth:
Like Radha, most of us think that brushing twice daily is sufficient to keep teeth healthy, but only brushing our teeth is not enough. Our teeth have grooves and fissures on the top of its surface, and certain areas between your teeth can be difficult to clean with a brush. Along with an excellent oral hygiene routine, you must visit your dentist every six months for a dental check-up.
- Poor oral health has nothing to do with stress:
Stress affects your teeth. When we get stressed, we tend to grind our teeth. This can cause the outer layer of our teeth to wear and lead to more damage causing sensitivity. This teeth-grinding habit, also known as bruxism, mainly occurs during our sleep. If you notice bruxism or any signs of this habit, please visit your dentist as soon as possible for a solution.
- The food you eat does not affect your teeth:
Like your body, your teeth also require nutrition to be healthy and strong. Eating green vegetables and fruits can help to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Overeating junk food, however, can damage your teeth, making them weak and more prone to cavities.
- E-Cigarettes do not affect teeth:
E-Cigarettes are just as harmful as regular cigarettes. An E-cigarette contains aerosol, and exposure to which can lead to more bacteria in the mouth, causing tooth decay and gum infection. Inflammation of gums, dry mouth, and many such issues are also associated with using e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes contain added flavoring that can also lead to cavity formation in your teeth and also increase the risk of chronic diseases affecting your general health.
Now that we have busted some of these myths, similar to Radha, we hope you have understood the importance of oral health and visiting your dentist regularly to make sure your teeth and gums are in a healthy condition. If you have any questions about your oral health, please do visit us at Prakash Dental Care in HSR Layout, Bengaluru we would love to solve any of your queries and be happy to help!
