When it comes to oral health, most people have either great misconceptions or no clue at all. While some of the myths above may seem harmless enough, others can have much more serious implications. Here are some common myths about dentists and dental care – debunked!
People need perfect teeth to be considered beautiful.
Beautiful smiles are generally defined as having straight teeth with no spaces where two or more teeth meet. Most people agree that having a few crooked teeth isn’t the end of the world, especially if you can hide them with a nice smile! There are plenty of celebrities who have beautiful smiles despite having teeth that aren’t perfect. There are even people who have teeth so messed up that they need to be removed. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still beautiful.
Children don’t need to see a dentist until their teeth start falling out.
This is probably the most common misconception about oral health. While it can be normal for some children to experience some temporary problems with their teeth — such as having cavities — most kids should see a dentist by the time they reach their early teens. Why? Because as children grow, so do their teeth. If a child isn’t receiving proper oral care, this can result in cavities, a buildup of harmful bacteria, gum disease and even dental cavities. And while these problems can be treated, they can also be very painful.
Bad breath is caused by poor hygiene. Wrong!
People often think that bad breath is a result of not cleaning their teeth enough. While toothpaste and brushing your teeth does help prevent bad breath, it only accounts for about 10% of bad breath. The rest is caused by bacteria in your digestive system – so you can’t blame poor hygiene! It is important to remember to brush after every meal and floss regularly to help prevent bad breath.
Dental floss is just for old people.
This may seem like an odd misconception to have about dental floss, but it actually makes sense. If you’re not in your 50s or 60s, then you probably aren’t likely to have a lot of dental work done, so there’s no need to use dental floss. Additionally, if you have braces, dental floss can cause problems because it can get caught in the brackets. That’s why many people who have braces choose to use interdental cleaners.
Dental check-ups are only for kids!
Most people, no matter their age, should see a dentist every 6 months. People who have a family history of gum disease or teeth issues are recommended to see a dentist more often than that. Additionally, pregnant women should see a dentist. Having a good oral health can be important for overall health, particularly during breastfeeding. If you have a cavity, gum disease or other issues, it can make it difficult for your baby to breastfeed.
Cavities are only for children and old people.
While cavities are generally more common in children and the elderly, anyone can get them. So if you have a cavity that isn’t painful, you can treat it with a filling. It can even be fun to watch a friend who has never had a cavity before get his or her first one. And there are many treatments available that can help prevent cavities from occurring in the first place. It’s important to brush and floss at least twice a day, and see a dentist every 6 months to get cleanings, exams and extractions.
You can only get dental work if you have insurance.
While you may need to meet a certain income threshold to get dental insurance, there are numerous benefits of having dental insurance regardless. Some dental work, such as extractions, root canals and even some cosmetic treatments, may not be covered by insurance. However, many dental insurance providers will cover a percentage of your bill up to a certain amount. Additionally, some providers will even pay 100% of your bill if you have a large amount of work done.
Summing up
Dentists are trained to help you improve your oral health. However, not everyone has the budget for dental care or is fortunate enough to have access to quality dental care. That’s why it’s important to know the truth about dental care so you can make informed decisions about your oral health.