Oracle Dental Myth Busters

Myth 1- My Dental filling will last forever……

How long should a filling last? This is difficult to answer since there are so many factors that can affect your teeth, including the fact that we use them to bite & chew with continually. Some fillings last for many, many years, others only 1 or 2. The type of material the filling is made of, its location in the mouth & how your teeth bite together will all affect how long the filling lasts.In addition, your personal habits such as poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar & acids and teeth grinding may also negatively impact the longevity of a filling.

Myth 2 – If your gums are bleeding you should stop brushing & flossing…

The opposite is true. You need to get in there & keep brushing & flossing to help remove the plaque, bacteria & inflammation which is contributing to the bleeding. If the problem is only minor this should help and the bleeding should stop. If it doesn’t it is important to visit your dentist to check that there is nothing more concerning going on.

Myth 3 – The more you brush the healthier your teeth will be ……

Brushing too often or using the incorrect brushing technique can actually cause your teeth to wear. Combine this with an abrasive toothpaste and /or a hard bristle brush & you could find yourself with sensitive teeth or even needing a filling. Always use a soft toothbrush, we recommend not using whitening toothpastes as they can be more abrasive than normal ones, rinse after meals & chew a sugar free gum, this helps stimulate saliva & avoid plaque build- up.

Myth 4 – Women lose a tooth for each child they carry……

While this has happened to some women, it is more of an old wives tale. Women go through many hormonal changes during pregnancy which can exaggerate existing problems. It is important to have your teeth checked and thoroughly cleaned before & during your pregnancy; your dentist will let you know if there are any concerns.

Myth 5 – Dental x-rays are unnecessary……

Dental X-rays are essential to detect even the slightest traces of oral health problems at their earliest stages, such as cavities, gum disease, oral infections, and some types of tumors. They can see in between your teeth where a dentist can’t. Your teeth could look perfectly normal showing no signs of decay, then you take an x-ray, and decay may be seen under an old filling or between the teeth. We recommend taking x-rays every 2 years.

“Dental x-rays are one of the lowest radiation dose studies performed. A routine exam which includes 4 bitewings is about 0.005 mSv, which is less than one day of natural.background radiation. It is also about the same amount of radiation exposure from a short airplane flight (1-2 hrs).” Source: xrayrisk.com

Myth 6 – It’s too late for braces……

While many people get braces in their youth, appearance can still be improved into your 30s, 40s and beyond. There are many orthodontic treatment options available now, so you don’t have to put up with an outdated smile. Here at Oracle Dental we use the “Quick Straight Teeth” system, for more information just go to our website & click on the QST link. It is a quick, affordable & relatively easy process for adults with great results.

Myth 7 – Taking care of my child’s baby teeth isn’t really necessary……

Children don’t just need baby teeth to chew with; the roots of their baby teeth help guide permanent teeth into place as they erupt. Tooth decay can occur in baby teeth & is just as uncomfortable as in adults. Problems may arise if baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay, such as spacing problems for the adult teeth or social issues for the child. It is very important to start a dental routine while your child is young. You can start by wiping their teeth with a washer when they start coming through & introduce a toothbrush as early as possible. Brush for the child until they have the ability to do so themselves. Always use a low fluoride paste until they are at least 6 & try & make brushing a fun experience. There are many aps that can help. We recommend bringing your child in at about the age of 2 for a ride in the chair & become familiar with a dental environment.

Myth 8 – Once I have a crown I will never get decay……

Many people think that when they get a porcelain or gold crown over their tooth that the tooth will never have a problem again. Although a crown will make a compromised tooth stronger & look better, a crown will not last forever. There is also a join between the crown & tooth which may be susceptible to decay if you don’t brush, floss & visit your dentist regularly to have it checked.

Related Tags: Children’s Dentist Gold Coast | Gold Coast Dentist | Dental Crowns Gold Coast