It was once thought that the only way to cure a toothache was to kiss a donkey. Thankfully, we dispelled that myth long ago and donkeys are now kept separate from dentistry.
However, there are still a number of dental misconceptions out there and they too need debunking. Here are four of them.
1. Young children don’t need to go to the dentist — after all, baby teeth are temporary
Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. They’re essential for proper chewing and speech. Plus, toothaches and cavities can affect a child’s development. Should baby teeth need to be removed prematurely due to tooth decay, this will cause the resulting gap to close up, resulting in misalignment when the permanent tooth comes in. Dental issues in children should be resolved right away. And don’t neglect prevention either. When your child’s baby teeth start to come in (or before they turn one), it’s recommended that they see a dentist for their first checkup.
2. If flossing makes your gums bleed, you shouldn’t floss
Bleeding of the gums means you’re not flossing enough and that your gums are overly sensitive. If you start flossing regularly, the sensitivity and bleeding will likely soon subside. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, be sure to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Bleeding gums can be indicative of gum disease or other health issues.
3. If you brush and floss before an appointment, your dentist won’t notice your lax oral hygiene
There’s no quick fix for lax oral hygiene. If you haven’t been taking adequate care of your teeth, your dentist is going to notice right away. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, a hard layer of tartar will form on your teeth and no amount of brushing will be enough to get rid of it. But don’t worry about admonishments from your dentist. It’s the irreversible effects of poor oral hygiene (such as tooth loss) that should concern you.
4. Teeth whitening is bad for your teeth
This myth stems from the fact that your teeth feel sensitive for some time after applying a whitening treatment. Some people also speculate that the chemicals used for bleaching damages tooth enamel. However, having sensitive teeth and gums after a whitening treatment is normal and will soon subside. It should also be pointed out that tooth enamel is not affected by professional teeth whitening or bleaching.
Dentists in Edmonton
If you’re looking for a reliable dentist, rest assured the knowledgeable team at Janz Family Dental won’t try to make you kiss a donkey. We’re conveniently located in the Jasper Place neighbourhood in West Edmonton and we’re happy to welcome new patients. Call us today to schedule a checkup.
