Even though our dental team enjoys working with teeth on a daily basis and looks forward to taking care of our patient's oral health, most people don’t rank going to the dentist at the top of the fun list. However, sometimes the reasons people don't come in for check-ups are due to preconceived dental myths. Let's examine five of the most common myths.
Myth 1: My Teeth Feel Fine, So Why Do I Need to Go to the Dentist?
Skipping regular dental check-ups because you are not experiencing any apparent problems or any discomfort can be a recipe for trouble. By addressing dental related problems before they develop into a more significant issue, you will save unnecessary dental expenses and avoid painful dental conditions. It is important to keep in mind that your dentist is the first line of defense against oral health issues.
Myth 2: Oral Health is Not Connected to My Overall Health
Your oral health is absolutely connected to your systemic (overall) health. The mouth is not an isolated ecosystem, but an integral part of the immune system. A mouth with severe tooth decay and periodontal disease is more likely to cause bacteria, which then, in turn, can enter into the bloodstream. When this occurs, it can result in other health issues. Studies have found a link between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more.
Myth 3: Going to the Dentist is Painful
Dentistry has changed a lot over the past few decades. Today's dental visits are typically uneventful and pain-free. If you maintain routine dental visits, you can often prevent more significant dental conditions. If you haven’t visited a dentist in years and are concerned, you can rest assured that new dental technology, developments in anesthetics and analgesics, and more conservative dental procedures have made visits to the dentist office a more comfortable, enjoyable experience.
Myth 4: You Don't Need to Take Your Child to the Dentist Until They Have Their Adult Teeth
Baby teeth are very important! As soon as your child has teeth, they can (and should) be seen by the dentist. Baby teeth provide the necessary space for permanent teeth to develop properly. Cavities in baby teeth can cause tooth loss much earlier than is natural.
Myth 5: Bleeding Gums are Normal
No! If your gums are bleeding, then something is wrong. Unless you're scrubbing your teeth with a toothbrush that is too hard, healthy gums shouldn't bleed when you brush or floss. If your gums do bleed, you may be experiencing the beginning stages of gum disease. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the United States, so if you find yourself looking at pink in the sink after you brush, make an appointment to see your dentist ASAP!
If you have any other concerns about coming in for a check-up or want to discuss a potential myth you heard about, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We'd be glad to address all of your questions. We are here for you!
