9 Dental Myths & Misconceptions

Have you ever heard the warning to not go outside on a cold day with wet hair or you’ll catch a cold? Or not to swallow gum because it will stay in your stomach for seven years? Sayings like these have been created to teach kids helpful lessons. But in some cases, these harmless warnings can turn into harmful myths.

At Austin Lifetime Dental, we’re separating fact from fiction by gathering some of the most common dental misconceptions so you can learn the truth behind these myths.

Myth #1: You don’t need to go to the dentist if you don’t have symptoms.

The fact is, if you only go to the dentist after you have a dental emergency, you could be too late. Prevention is key to maintaining your oral health. Even if you don’t have a toothache, it’s critical to see your general dentist regularly to catch issues early on and prevent them from becoming even bigger ones. These checkups also provide the treatment you can’t perform on your own like oral cancer screenings and professional teeth cleaning to get to those hard-to-reach places.

Myth #2: Teeth whitening damages your teeth.

In the early days of teeth bleaching or whitening, many believed it to be harmful. However, that’s no longer the case. When teeth whitening is performed by a professional, patients use safe and non-acidic formulas that are carefully applied and removed for your protection and your comfort.

Myth #3: Dental health isn’t connected to overall health.

Oral health is actually a good indicator of your overall health. Your mouth can be an entry point for harmful bacteria. If they enter your gums and bloodstream, they can spread and increase your risk for disease and inflammation in other parts of your body. To decrease your risk of heart disease and diabetes, make sure you’re also decreasing your risk of gum disease.

Myth #4: Bleeding gums are normal.

Seeing a little pink in the sink after you brush your teeth may not set off the alarm for some, especially if it has become part of their routine. However, bleeding gums are a common sign that you may have gingivitis or gum disease. Your gums don’t need to be bright red and swollen to have gum disease. If your gums are bleeding reach out to us and receive a professional assessment from our dentist in West Austin, TX.

Myth #5: Brushing harder will clean your teeth better.

Regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque from your teeth. However, brushing too hard can actually remove healthy tooth enamel and can harm your gums, causing them to recede. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums for a “better” clean.

Myth #6: Pregnant women should avoid the dentist.

Experts at the American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend pregnant women see their dentist regularly. Expectant mothers may develop “pregnancy gingivitis” due to higher hormone levels. If left untreated, it can lead to gum disease. Regular dental checkups can monitor these risks and keep harmful bacteria at bay.

Myth #7: Visiting the dentist is always painful.

With proper at-home maintenance, your dental visits should be a breeze and cause little to no discomfort. If it’s your first time visiting the dentist in a while, your initial visit may be a little more thorough. Harmful calculus buildup must be removed in order to get your smile back on a healthy track. However, with your first visit or for visits with more complex dental procedures, you may be able to receive sedation dentistry like local anesthetic, nitrous oxide or oral sedation to calm your nerves and minimize discomfort during and after your procedure.

Myth #8: Baby teeth don’t matter.

Beyond helping children eat and speak clearly, the health of baby teeth actually guides the outcomes of the permanent teeth that come after them. Cavities and infections in baby teeth can affect the gums and teeth beneath and around your child’s baby tooth. Removing baby teeth too early can lead to shifting of teeth around the space causing overlapping and crooked teeth. An artificial space maintainer may need to be used until the adult tooth comes in. Ultimately, helping children maintain oral health early on creates good habits that ensure they can maintain a healthy smile when they’re older.

Myth #9: My teeth are unhealthy because I’m aging.

Although age can affect your oral health, that doesn’t mean it will get worse and there’s nothing you can do about it. Tooth loss and dentures have become less common over the years due to maintaining proper dental health from childhood and throughout adult years. Good oral hygiene, oral cancer screenings and proper treatment when conditions like cavities and gingivitis arise can help ensure your smile stays healthy for years, and decades, to come.

If You Know Another Dental Myth, We Want to Hear It

Reach out to us if you have a question about your dental health, dental hygiene or dentistry in general. Our dental team at Austin Lifetime Dental offers professional treatment, minimally invasive technology and dental insights to help you debunk more dental myths and maintain a bright, clean smile.