Working in Dentistry, I've heard some pretty interesting beliefs about teeth. Some sound completely bizarre, while others have a little bit of truth behind them, just not in the way people might think.
Here are some of the most common dental myths I've heard and what they actually mean:
“You only need to see the dentist if something hurts”
Tooth decay and gum disease can develop without causing any pain or symptoms, especially in their early stages.
People might believe this myth as pain feels like an obvious warning sign, so it’s easy to assume no pain means no problems.
“Baby teeth don't matter because they fall out anyways”
Baby teeth help children eat, speak and maintain space for their adult teeth. Untreated issues with baby teeth such as cavities can lead to pain and infection and complications with their adult teeth.
People often underestimate their importance as they are considered temporary teeth.
“The harder you brush the cleaner your teeth”
Effective brushing is about technique, consistency and the right toothbrush, not force. Brushing too aggressively can contribute to tooth wear and gum recession.
It might seem logical that more pressure cleans better, but your teeth don't need to be scrubbed like a dirty surface.
Dental myths often come from a small piece of truth, something we were told growing up or advice that has been passed down over generations, but when it comes to your oral health, what sounds right isn't always what's right.