As we all want to maintain our teeth sparkling white and healthy, it may be difficult to separate reality from fiction regarding the best ways to do so. Our Colorado Springs Dentist has put together of debunked dental myths just for you.
Untrue Dental Myths
Here are some of the most popular dental misconceptions, as well as the facts behind them from your dentist in Colorado Springs.
Myth #1: You should brush your teeth after every meal.
Truth: While it is true that you should clean your teeth after each meal, don’t go for the toothpaste too quickly. Cleaning your teeth should be done after 30-60 minutes. What is the explanation behind this? The acidity in your mouth weakens enamel briefly after you eat, as saliva breaks down food particles and washes them away explains Dr. Boals, dentist Colorado Springs CO. Brushing your teeth while the enamel is weakened can also remove the enamel from your teeth. Therefore it’s best to wait a while.
Myth #2: Wisdom teeth have no function.
Truth: Wisdom teeth are the molars at the rear of the mouth that usually appear between 17 and 25. These days, they’re more likely to get impacted, grow sideways, or crowd the rest of your teeth, which may be unpleasant. In recent ages, it has been hypothesized that the development of human food has modified the function of wisdom teeth. These ‘extra’ molars would assist fill in the gaps and enable our forefathers to continue eating since they ate a lot of coarse foods, which caused tooth abrasion and tooth loss. On the other hand, wisdom teeth have nowhere to go because dental hygiene has improved, and they must be extracted by your CO Springs family dentist often to prevent creating complications.
Myth #3: Teeth whitening weakens them.
Truth: The hydrogen peroxide used in at-home whitening kits is only 3-10 percent, compared to the 15-18 percent used by a dentist. It is safe to use on teeth to remove surface stains as indicated and in moderation. While a minor enamel erosion may occur if used too often or improperly, this procedure will not harm the tooth’s structure. Always check with your dentist before using whitening solutions because of the possibility of damage to the enamel and possible dental sensitivity.
Myth #4: Putting aspirin on a tooth will relieve pain.
Truth: No, putting aspirin on a tooth won’t make it go away. In reality, this may cause your gums to burn and the soft tissue surrounding your tooth to deteriorate. If you have a toothache, you should:
-Clean all teeth and gums in the painful region thoroughly, looking for any trapped food or debris.
-Next, rinse your mouth with warm salt water vigorously.
-If your face is puffy, use a cold compress.
-For discomfort, use Tylenol or Motrin.
-Call during business hours to schedule an appointment with emergency dental Colorado Springs.
Myth #5: Baby teeth are unimportant because they will eventually fall out.
Truth: Primary teeth are cared for in the same way as permanent teeth are, and good baby teeth typically predict healthy adult teeth. Baby teeth also help with speech development and keep adult teeth in a position that might otherwise become crowded.
Myth #6: Hard-bristled toothbrushes are the finest for cleaning teeth.
Truth: Stiff and medium bristles brushes, in particular, may harm enamel if handled too forcefully, states Dr. Green, Parker CO Dentist. On the other hand, soft to incredibly soft bristles are the most incredible instrument for cleaning your teeth since they need to be cleansed softly and attentively.
What other dental-care misconceptions have you heard? Sift through the myths to discover the truth about your teeth and how to best care for them. But don’t accept popular wisdom at face value; if you have any concerns about the best methods to care for your teeth, contact us today.