Common Dental Myths Debunked
Largely, dental myths imply that dentist enjoy causing pain, or provide unnecessary work to bilk innocent customers out of their hard earned cash. Others still are just based on ignorance of the way our teeth work.


CHICAGO, IL, January 09, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dental myths, like myths about any form of medicine, are very common. Some of these myths stem from a larger phobia of dental work, some speak to a more primal distrust of those who have knowledge of the inner workings of our bodies; that which we do not understand or cannot see.

Largely, dental myths imply that dentist enjoy causing pain, or provide unnecessary work to bilk innocent customers out of their hard earned cash. Others still are just based on ignorance of the way our teeth work. In any case, dental myths can be harmful if they keep you from receiving the oral health care you need and deserve.

Common Dental Myths

-- Hard-bristled tooth brushes are the best for brushing - The truth is, hard-bristled tooth brushes can remove tooth enamel, leaving your tooth sensitive to temperate changes. Most dentists will recommend a soft-bristled brush for twice-daily brushing.

-- Crowns cause teeth to need root canal - Crowns protect teeth from further decay. If the decay has not infected the tooth root, a root canal will not be necessary.

-- Root canals are painful -With modern advances in dentistry and anesthetics, root canals are no more painful than the average filling.

-- The metal in amalgam can leak into your blood stream and cause poisoning - This long-held belief has been debunked by every major health organization in the world, including the World Health Organization, the Food and Drug Administration, and the American Dental Association. The metal in fillings is about as hazardous to your health as the razor blade you use to shave.

-- Chewing sugar-free gum eliminates the need for brushing - While it is true that some studies suggest that chewing sugar-free gum after meals may help reduce plaque build-up, it is certainly no replacement for proper brushing and flossing. Gum cannot remove plaque already accumulated on teeth, will not remove food and plaque from between teeth, and does not kill bacteria. Only brushing and flossing regularly can achieve those things.

-- Children's teeth don't need to be taken care of, they just fall out anyway - Sadly, this thinking can lead not only to poor oral hygiene habits in children. But to premature loss of baby teeth which can result in bite problems with adult teeth.

Of course, several other dental myths exist. To cover them all would be an exhaustive exercise. It is best to discuss any fears you may have, or stories you may have heard, with your dentist to get the facts straight.

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