March Mayhem: Debunking Common Oral Care Myths

The best time of the year has arrived! March Mayhem adds excitement to the spring season, and there’s no doubt that basketball fans across the globe are glued to their screens. As a basketball enthusiast, it feels good to know your teeth are in great condition as you cheer for the latest buzzer-beater.

While you’re busy filling out brackets, we want to clear up some myths you might’ve heard about your teeth. Oral health is full of misconceptions, and believing in mistruths can harm your smile. So, get ready to jump into what we believe are the most widely held oral health care myths so we can set the record straight.

Myth #1: Sugar Is the Sole Cause of All Cavities

Truth: Although sugar is a major player, you need to know that it’s not the sole culprit behind the development of cavities. Tooth decay develops when the natural bacteria in your mouth begin to feed on the carbohydrates that are found in a lot of the foods we eat on a daily basis, such as bread, fruit, and pasta. Dry mouth, acidic foods and poor toothbrushing and flossing habits can all contribute to the formation of cavities, not just sugar.

Myth #2: Bleeding Gums Are a Sign to Stop Flossing

Truth: In most cases in life, bleeding is a sign that you need to stop what you are doing and tend to your injury. But, bleeding during flossing is usually a sign that you need to keep going. Gums bleed from inflammation caused by plaque buildup. Bleeding gums may also indicate the early stages of gum disease. Being consistent with your brushing and flossing should help your gums get healthier. If the bleeding continues or seems excessive, then call us. A professional teeth cleaning can help get gum bleeding under control.

Myth #3: Baby Teeth Aren’t Important

Truth: Baby teeth serve several important roles, making it important to take care of them. Your child’s baby teeth help with speech development and chewing. Those tiny teeth also hold space for the adult teeth to grow properly. We love providing dental services to our littlest patients, and we’ve watched many people grow up in our chairs.

Myth #4: Whitening Toothpaste Is Just As Good as Professional Whitening

Truth: Whitening toothpaste can work perfectly fine for lifting surface stains. But, it doesn’t typically do enough to make a noticeable difference in the color of your teeth. Professional whitening treatments have the ability to go deeper and give you noticeable results that last longer. When your goal is to get a brighter smile, we’re here to help!

Myth #5: Seeing a Dentist Isn’t Necessary When Your Teeth Don’t Hurt

Truth: Many dental problems don’t hurt until they are quite severe. Going to the dentist regularly can make the difference between needing a simple filling versus being told you need a root canal or extraction. 

During your next break from March Mayhem, remember to schedule an appointment with our team by calling us at . We’ll help you enjoy a winning smile that lasts all year long.