Dr Parul Kumar
‘Sodas are okay to drink especially diet sodas as they don’t contain sugar’. “Flossing creates spaces between teeth.” or brushing hard makes teeth cleaner. “Baby teeth aren’t important.” “My tooth doesn’t hurt, so it should be okay.” or “ You only need to go to the dentist if your teeth hurt” How many of us think like that? How many of these have you heard before? I would like to share the truth about these common oral health myths that I hear from patients almost every day. Read on to learn about them and how to keep your mouth healthy.
Myth: “Diet sodas are okay to drink because they don’t have sugar in them.”
Fact: Though diet sodas don’t have cavity-causing sugars in them, they still are highly acidic. Our mouth has acid-loving bacteria that contribute to cavities. Diet sodas have a pH level of about 2-3, while water is neutral at a pH level of 7 (for reference battery acid is very acidic at a pH level of 0).
The acid in diet soda eats away at enamel (the outer protective layer of our tooth surface) causing tooth sensitivity. Some people tend to slowly sip their sodas throughout the day, which is actually more hazardous. Every time you take a sip, the bacteria in your mouth begins to work with the acid and attack your enamel.
It takes about 20 minutes for your mouth to neutralize that acid again and each time you sip that 20-minute attack starts over. Besides soda, other acidic beverages like orange juices, citrus juices, etc. can also cause similar damage. The healthiest alternatives to keep your body hydrated are water, vegetable juice, and milk.
Myth: Bleeding gums are normal. They happen to everyone
Fact: Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease, which means there’s nothing normal about it. It only means that you haven’t visited your dentist for quite some time now and that a lot of calculus (hard deposits stuck on your teeth) has already accumulated, making your gums swell and bleed. Gum disease if left untreated may cause the loss of your teeth.
Myth: I brush properly, I don’t need to floss or flossing creates spaces between teeth.
Fact: Wrong. Brushing cleans only 65% of your teeth. What about the other 35 per cent? These are the surfaces in between your teeth which the toothbrush cannot reach (even if you use ultra-thin bristles). Only dental floss can remove food debris stuck in those areas. Neglecting to floss (which you should do at least every night) may lead to cavities you won’t even notice because…yes, you guessed it right…They are formed in between your teeth and can be detected only by dental x-rays.
Myth: It’s just baby teeth…it will be replaced anyway. No need for my kid to see the dentist.
Fact: Baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth. A lot of parents are misinformed about this. Imagine your child experiencing severe toothache just because you haven’t brought him/her to the dentist before. Cavities on baby teeth should be filled and restored before they lead to a toothache or infection. They also play a big role in guiding the erupting permanent teeth to the right position. If a baby tooth is removed too early (might be due to severe decay), the space for the erupting permanent tooth is usually lost resulting in misalignment.
Myth: Dentist = Pain
Fact: So many people are afraid of the dental office. Dental phobia is a common reason why patients don’t go to their appointments. They always associate the dentist with someone who inflicts pain…a lot of it. Well, this is not true. Most routine dental procedures such as scaling, polishing, and tooth fillings can be done without anesthesia. Though some might experience some sensitivity and discomfort, these procedures are often well-tolerated.
Tip: Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Add small positive changes to your routine and this will gradually contribute to better hygiene. Remember the easy rules: brush twice a day for 2 minutes, floss once, use mouthwash, limit sugary and high-acid foods, and go to dental check-ups every 6 months.
