Your oral health is associated with your overall health, as these things tend to connect. Surely, you know the basics of keeping a clean mouth healthy; from brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, making sure to consistently visit your family dentist in Irving for a checkup, however, there may have been a thing or two that you have heard about dental health that is nothing but a myth. When it comes to taking care of your teeth you need to know what is true and what isn’t, so, keep on reading to learn the truth behind dental health and what you may have heard.
Myth #1: Cavities and tooth decay are caused solely by sugar
Sugar is the biggest culprit when it comes to cavities and tooth decay, however, there are other contributing factors. You need to be cautious with the foods you eat when it comes to more than just the sugar content. Be careful with foods that are highly acidic, as they can eventually break down the enamel on your teeth. You also need to be careful with chewy foods, such as dried fruit, although the sugars are natural, the chewy substance can get stuck in your teeth, allowing bacteria to build up and the enamel to be damaged over time. Certain carbohydrates also need to be taken into consideration, as they too can contribute to the damage to your enamel.
Myth #2: Gum disease isn’t common
Gum disease is one of the most common oral problems. A shocking 47% of adults that are 30 years and older suffer from some level of gum disease. Aging does make you more susceptible to gum disease, so as you get older make sure you are making visiting your dentist a priority to ensure you are keeping your mouth healthy.
Myth #3: If nothing is bothering you in your mouth, then you don’t need to go in for a dental checkup
This is probably one of the more common myths, and frankly, one of the most dangerous to fall for. Going to the dentist regularly is not only important to keep your teeth properly cleaned, but it is important to prevent or stop any dental issues in their tracks. Many times, people have oral issues going on that they aren’t even aware of. Sometimes if there is a problem, that doesn’t always mean that you will be experiencing symptoms, and leaving dental issues, such as cavities, etc., unaccounted for can lead to much bigger problems, more pain, procedures, money, and time. It is true that many times the symptoms only appear once the problem has escalated. Regularly visiting your Irving dentist will ensure that you catch any potential permanent or painful issues before they get worse.
Myth #4: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss you should pull back on the brushing and flossing
This is quite the opposite. If your gums are bleeding when you are flossing and brushing it doesn’t mean you should leave them alone, it means you likely aren’t brushing and flossing enough. Your gums bleeding is a result of inflammation. Many times, the reason for this inflammation is that of bacteria and plaque in between the gums and crevasses of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. When the bacteria and plaque buildup over time, it becomes an irritant to one’s gums, causing inflammation and bleeding, that is one of the reasons why regular brushing and flossing is so important. If you begin to floss daily, over time you will notice your gums will stop bleeding.
When it comes to your dental health in Irving, you want to make sure you are going to someone that you trust. Here at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry we are a highly recommended and trusted dental practice that is here to serve you and your family when it comes to your dental health. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment don’t hesitate to contact us today.
