The world is full of dental myths, and believing them can seriously harm your oral health! Let’s set the record straight on a few popular ones.
Myth 1: You only need to see the dentist if something hurts. Fact: Pain usually indicates an advanced problem. Regular check-ups allow us to catch minor issues like small cavities or gum inflammation when they are easy and inexpensive to treat.
Myth 2: Chewing gum is as good as brushing. Fact: Sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva, which neutralizes acid, but it is no substitute for the mechanical cleaning of a toothbrush and floss.
Myth 3: Whitening products damage your enamel. Fact: Professional, dentist-supervised whitening is safe and effective. It temporarily opens the pores of the tooth to lift stains but does not cause permanent damage to your enamel when done correctly.
Myth 4: Your oral health doesn’t affect the rest of your body. Fact: Gum disease is strongly linked to serious systemic health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Your mouth is a window to your overall health.
