As dentists, we’re often amazed at the misconceptions that people have about their oral health. Ever heard the saying that an apple a day keeps you healthy? How about the one where you’re asked to visit the dentist at least twice a year to prolong your life?
Most people assume that these are just clichés meant to help sell more apples and put more money in the dentists’ pockets. Well, multiple studies have shown that doing these two things can help prolong your life by at least 10 years.
Unfortunately, many people are prevented from enjoying these benefits because of certain misconceptions. So, if you have been nursing one or more of the following oral health misconceptions, you need to stop doing them immediately.
Flossing and Brushing Daily Negates the Need for the Dentist
Many people often assume that as long as they brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once, they don’t need to visit the dentist. Congratulations if you’ve been doing those two things. It shows that you’re serious about having great oral health.
However, the reality is that these only take care of food particles left in the crevices of your teeth. There’s still the plaque buildup that you need to get rid of, and the only place to do that is the dentist’s office.
Bleeding Gums Are Nothing to Worry About
Here’s something you should know: your gums shouldn’t bleed if they are healthy and in great shape. If your gums are healthy but bleed when you brush them, chances are that you’re applying excess force while brushing.
However, bleeding gums can be a sign of early onset gingivitis. Left to fester, it can result in gum disease and tooth loss. So, if your gums are bleeding during and after brushing, see the dentist quickly.
Dentists Cause Severe Pain
Dental technology has advanced to the point where most of the procedures are painless. With the use of local anesthesia and painkillers, even procedures involving drilling and filling your crown are painless now.
Losing Your Tooth is Synonymous with Growing Older
Tooth loss is often a sign if tooth decay and poor oral health. If you must lose any tooth, it should be the third molars. And even that should be done voluntarily. Proper dental care will ensure that you keep your teeth well into your old age.
Dentists are Expensive
Dentists are quite affordable these days. Besides, you ought to have dental insurance which you have to use once or twice a year. You don’t have to spend a small fortune for dental procedures anymore. If you’re unsure what the dental insurance will cover, call your local dentist, such as Orlando Smiles, and see what procedures it will cover.
Sensitive Teeth are a Sign of Tooth Decay
Not necessarily. Depends on what you just ate –if you sucked on lemons, you can be sure that they’ll be sensitive or the presence of dental problems like bruxism (teeth grinding).
If you’ve been trying too hard to whiten your teeth using OTC teeth whitening kits, it’s possible to suffer from teeth sensitivity. Bottom line, there are many causes of teeth sensitivity.
Dental Health Isn’t Tied to General Health
This is a big misconception. In fact, a joint study carried out by a team of cardiologists and periodontists found common links between patients with gum disease and those with cardiovascular diseases.
While the exact link hasn’t been established, there’s too many occurrences to ignore this. In fact, more dentists are beginning to also lookout for signs of oral or oropharyngeal cancer in their patients.
Catching these early on often gives the patients a fighting chance and helps them nip cancer in the bud before it metastasizes. Now that you know this, you can see that your oral health is linked to your general well-being. So, start taking your oral health very seriously.
Oscar King is a freelance writer who contributes articles and insight into living a healthy lifestyle. If you would like to learn more about Oscar, check out his Google+ profile.