Unveiling Common Dental Myths
By Kara Dillon, RDH-E
Some
myths are a colorful part of our history. Many decades
ago individuals provided dental treatment that was not
based
on scientific principles. Because of this assumption-based
treatment, myths developed and became imprinted in people’s
minds.
Dentistry
today is a branch of medical science based on scientific
facts. In this article a few of the most common dental
myths are addressed to set the
record straight.
Myth
#1: Some people have a more difficult time fighting cavities
because “soft
teeth” run in their families. The
fact is that inherited diseases and conditions which lead
to cavities are few and far between. Usually bad teeth
run in a family because parents
who
fail to take proper care of their own teeth also do not take care of
their children’s teeth. At the very least, a child’s
teeth should be inspected by a parent after a thorough
brushing each day.
Myth
#2: Periodontal disease doesn’t affect the rest of
my body. Unfortunately,
periodontal (or gum) disease is so common
that nearly 80 percent of Americans have it. The bacteria
in periodontal disease
may cause
blood
clots which can trigger a heart attack or stroke. It also puts you
at risk for tooth
loss which has been associated with cardiovascular disease, according
to recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control.
Myth
#3: Placing an aspirin on an aching tooth will relieve
the pain.
You can take an aspirin internally to relieve a toothache,
but placing it directly on the tooth will not alleviate
the pain. The aspirin can
actually cause a
chemical burn to the surrounding tissue.
Myth
#4: When the gums bleed, it is better not to brush the
teeth.
Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation and that they
are not healthy. This is usually a result of plaque
and food particles accumulating
around the
teeth. Until this collection is brushed off around the teeth and
gums, they will continue
to bleed. Brushing the teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush with
the proper technique will remove the plaque and help the gums to
heal.
The initial
bleeding will gradually be reduced over a period of time. If the
gums continue to
bleed, a visit to the dentist for evaluation and cleaning may be
needed.
This
article is for general information only. For personal information
about yourself or your family please contact your dentist or
health care provider.
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