We’ve shared (and busted) quite a few of the most common dental myths and misconceptions that most people hold.
Despite our efforts though, more dental myths persist!
It’s quite alarming to know that there are still some who continue to believe and live out these myths, despite none of them holding any water whatsoever (and the vast majority having been debunked).
This week, our Armadale dentists are adding a couple of other common myths to the pile.
Hopefully, once we’re done busting these myths, you’ll leave with an even greater appreciation for your oral health, as well as what you need to do to maintain it.
Myth 1: Visiting the dentist is expensive
Dentistry is not expensive – neglect is.
Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be expensive if you keep your teeth in good condition.
The better condition your teeth are in, the less work your dentist will need to do to keep them in good shape.
Good news: it’s not too late to start.
Dental check-ups are most usually bi-annually, but can be annual or even 3 – 4 times a year depending on your medical and or dental health, and the condition of your teeth and gums. How frequently you’ll have to go in is decided upon in consultation with our Armadale Dentists’ and Hygienists’ judgement.
During your dental check-up (something regular you should really get back into the habit of), we can also help devise a customised oral hygiene program based on your current routine and the state of your teeth.
Myth 2: Teeth whitening damages the teeth
While this myth used to be true, that was a long time ago.
Nowadays, cosmetic dentistry – teeth whitening included – is a safe and risk-free procedure.
Who wouldn’t want to get back their shiny white teeth, just like before?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses a peroxide derivative mixture to remove extrinsic (that is, surface) stains that brushing just can’t clean.
As a rule of thumb, if your teeth can be cleaned, they can be bleached.
There are some people whose teeth are excessively sensitive. It may be because there might be a cavity or cavities, or gum issues etc. If a person’s teeth are sensitive to tooth cleaning, we can alter our techniques and reduce the sensitivity.
Tooth bleaching performed on these patients may require a recipe designed for extra sensitivity, so we screen and decide carefully before we might proceed.
Unfortunately, many are also afraid that it will also decay their teeth. This is not the case. Cavities must be repaired before the bleaching process begins, but bleaching itself will NOT create a new cavity.
We use exclusively safe and clinically-tested teeth whitening treatments that improve the colour of your teeth, helping you regain your bright and dazzling smile.
Eager to learn more about our teeth whitening procedure? Get in touch with our cosmetic dentist in Armadale today.
Myth 3: Only sugar causes tooth decay
Did you know? Sugar doesn’t decay your teeth!
While sugar is a major contributing factor to the formation of tooth decay, sugar itself doesn’t have much of an impact on your teeth.
Rather, it’s actually the bacteria in your mouth that are the primary cause of cavities.
Bacteria create acids that when combined with saliva in your mouth can form plaque.
This bacteria is a lot like us – it has a sweet tooth!
While these acids prefer feeding on sugar, they aren’t picky – if there isn’t enough sugar, they can also get by using other food sources like starches.
What can you do to protect yourself? Brush and floss!
Proper oral hygiene is about cleaning bacteria out of your mouth before it can produce plaque. While eating the right kinds of food and cutting sugar out can help, it’s brushing and flossing that has the biggest impact.
Myth 4: Only see a dentist if something hurts
Whatever you do, don’t listen to this piece of “advice!”
Yes, if you’re experiencing dental pain, a trip to your local Armadale dentist is a must.
However, that shouldn’t be the only time you visit their office!
Some seem to think that they will only need to visit the dentist when they feel any pain in their teeth and gums.
But what about the underlying issues that cause dental pain in the first place? Obviously accidents and falls can’t be prevented by seeing an Armadale dentist – however, things like tooth decay and cavities can!
Regular trips to our family dentist in Armadale helps identify these issues early, reducing the chances of a bigger problem further down the line.
We’ll also help you keep on top of problems as they develop, again stopping dental emergencies before they ever get the chance to develop.
What are you waiting for? Schedule a regular checkup with an Armadale dentist today.
Myth 5: Poor oral health only affects your teeth
When we say “oral health”, we mean the ENTIRE mouth:
- Gums
- Tongue
- Teeth
Our Armadale dental team takes a holistic view of dental health, going beyond your teeth and looking after your gums as well, since this can affect your teeth.
We’ll show you how to take good care of your gums as well as your tongue for an overall healthier mouth.
That isn’t the only way oral health extends beyond your teeth, however.
Our Armadale dentists are big believers in the idea of the mouth-body connection.
What this means is that many “mouth” infections (teeth or gums) can affect other parts of the body. For example some bacteria found in gum disease are the same bacteria found in coronary heart disease!
Other mouth bacteria have been linked to Alzeiheimers, Respiratory Disease, Kidney Disease etc.
These are but a few of these connections – there are many more.
Just another reason to take oral care seriously!
Myth 6: Going to the dentist is painful
Ever had a traumatic experience with a dentist before?
Many people believe that visiting a dentist will only cause pain perhaps that is why so many people put off visiting the dentist.
Our family dentist in Armadale provides a caring and friendly atmosphere for all members of the family. We try to have fun with the kids, settling them up for a lifelong “happy feeling” when they visit the dentist. For adults we listen to issues and problems they may have, and address them gently and slowly.
In addition to using the best dental treatments and services, we also employ measures to put your mind at ease (because we understand that the pain isn’t just physical!)
In addition to local anaesthetic, we always use topical pre-anaesthetic that numbs the gum before the actual local anaesthetic is used. We can also use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to set your mind at ease.
From time to time, when the amount of treatment is very large, or there is a difficult procedure to negotiate, we can organize sleep dentistry. Sleep dentistry is where an anaesthetist is enlisted to put the patient into a “Sedation” state. Whilst you “sleep” the procedure is performed and then you wake up with no memory of it ever being done.
All of these techniques can help calm your nerves, and combined with our friendly and welcoming manner, make going to the dentist less stressful.
Myth 7: Gum and tooth problems only for the older folk
If you believe that older people are the only ones who will have to think of gum and tooth problems, then you’ve got it all wrong.
Oral health problems don’t discriminate. They can affect every member of the family, from your toddler to your grandmother.
If you ask us, you should start taking your children to the dentist as early as possible to build good habits and prevent any oral health issues that may arise in the future.
Our family dentists in Armadale love working with children, and do our best to ensure their first trip to the dentist is a great one (we do not accidentally want to create a lifelong aversion to dentistry!)
Come see our dentist in Armadale today!
Put your oral health on top of your priority list – schedule a visit to our dentist in Armadale today.
Dr Zelman Lew and the Dental Care Group team provide comprehensive dental care for you and your family members.
Our dental treatments cover all stages of life from your baby’s first dental appointment to treating older patients with a lifetime of oral care behind them, and everything in between.
Our team at Dental Care Group is committed to delivering excellence in all aspects of dental care, such as:
- Hygiene preventive programs and gum health
- Pathology screening
- Innovative treatment planning
- Teeth whitening
- Dental implants
- Toothache relief
- Teeth maintenance and beautiful tooth-coloured repair
- Biomimetic (nature copying) techniques and philosophies
- Safe metal removal (amalgam etc)
Contact an expert Armadale dentist today on (03) 9509 1500 or click here to schedule your next dental appointment with our friendly team.
