Dental Myths Decoded

Scottsbluff dentists set the record straight about common dental myths:

Myth: I want straight teeth, but I’m too old for braces. Fact: New orthodontic technology has made the process of straightening the teeth faster, more comfortable, and more discreet than ever. Plus, there are other alternatives like veneers and crowns that can give you the appearance of straighter teeth without the use of braces.

Myth: My stressful life is giving me headaches. Fact: Many headaches are caused by strained jaw muscles as the result of intensely clenching and grinding the teeth.

Myth: I avoid brushing and flossing because they make my gums bleed. Fact: Bleeding gums are caused by bacteria and inflammation. Brushing and flossing are the best ways to remove the irritating factors in order to reduce the inflammation and stop the bleeding.

Myth: If I had a cavity, my teeth would be hurting. No pain means no cavities. Fact: A deep cavity can actually kill the dental nerve without causing much pain. Plus, most cavities spread inwards towards the dental nerve and cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Myth: Putting an aspirin on my tooth will stop a toothache. Fact: Aspirin can actually cause a chemical burn on your gum tissue, but will not relieve dental pain or cure an infected tooth.

Myth: It’s okay to order teeth whitening kits online. Fact: Only a dentist can prescribe and recommend the best teeth whitening product for you. Also, dental caps and fillings cannot be bleached at all– no matter what a website or advertisement may claim.

Myth: I don’t eat a lot of sugar, so I’m not worried about getting cavities. Fact: Frequently snacking on small sugary treats is much more harmful than eating one big, sweet treat. Cavities are not caused by large quantities of sugar, but they are caused by frequent sugar exposures.

Contact a Scottsbluff dentist today to uncover more helpful dental facts.