Amelia Grant

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about teeth and gums. Some of these myths are harmless while others can confuse you and even lead to serious complications. In this article, we have gathered eight oral health myths that should be addressed.

1. Cavities are caused by sugar

Indeed, increased consumption of sweet foods and beverages can increase your risk of getting a cavity. But you should understand that sugar doesn't eat away your tooth enamel. It is damaged by acids that are produced by bacteria. These bacteria feed on sugar and multiply actively in the suitable environment. That's why it is better to rinse your mouth after eating sweets.

2. Gum bleeding during tooth brushing is normal

If you have noticed that your toothbrush becomes pink after brushing, it's high time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. The truth is that your gums can bleed because of developing gum disease. In the initial stage (gingivitis), this condition can cause mild symptoms. But when it turns into periodontitis, you may get festering gums and loose teeth.

3. You can treat a dental abscess at home

A dental abscess is a condition in which the infection penetrates the tooth and leads to the development of a sac filled with pus. The most common symptoms of a dental abscess include severe toothache, bad breath, and a swollen gum. You should understand that only a dentist can treat a dental abscess. Otherwise, a sac can burst and pus may spread to the jaw, neck, and brain.

4. Teeth whitening can destroy tooth enamel

Many people believe that dentists use harsh chemicals for teeth whitening that can ruin your teeth. Indeed, many years ago, a teeth whitening procedure involved the use of an aggressive bleaching agent that had a negative effect on tooth enamel. But today, dentists use absolutely safe bleaching agents that can lead only to temporary teeth sensitivity. However, there are OTC teeth whitening kits that are not approved by the dentists and can have unpredictable results.

5. You should use wooden toothpicks to remove food particles

If you have noticed that some food has got stuck between your teeth, don't take a wooden toothpick to remove it. The point is that wooden toothpicks can do more harm than good. For example, its tip can break and get stuck between your teeth along with food particles. You can also scratch your tooth enamel and gums with a sharp tip of a wooden toothpick. If you need to remove food particles from your interdental space, it is better to use dental floss or floss picks.

6. Only white teeth are healthy

If your tooth enamel has yellow, grey, or brown hue, you shouldn't think that your teeth are not healthy. The reality is that the color of your teeth doesn't correlate with their teeth. Indeed, white teeth can look better, but it doesn't mean that you should bleach your teeth to make them look healthier.

7. You need to visit a dentist only in the case of some symptoms

Indeed, if you experience at least some symptoms of oral issues, you need to visit a dental clinic for proper treatment. But you should also know that there are many conditions that can develop asymptomatically and only a dentist can recognize and treat them in time.

8. There is no reason to treat baby teeth

There is a common misconception that there is no need to treat baby teeth in children since they will fall off anyway. You should know that untreated tooth decay in baby teeth can reach the permanent teeth that are developing in the jaw. That's why it is better to contact a pediatric dentist and fill cavities in children as well.