At the first sign of dental or medical problems, it’s common for people to go flocking to the Internet to “diagnose” their problems. The Internet helps puts us in touch with professionals (like this website), but it also easy to follow bad advice.

At North Oaks Dental, we have a skilled team educated in all aspects of dentistry, whether that be preventive family dentistry or fixing complicated dental problems. We have multiple dentists in our office to serve your every need. You can start your dental journey by scheduling an appointment with us. Call today at 248-712-1522 (Royal Oak) 248-963-1969 (New Hudson) or use our online form to request a visit.

So today, I want to dispel some of the dental myths that I sometimes come across on the Internet — or myths that have long been part of the public domain.

1. My teeth don’t hurt, so there is nothing wrong. MYTH.

Your teeth shouldn’t hurt. So tooth pain is a clear sign that something is wrong, but it’s not the only inclination. Cavities can be painful or completely pain-free. In some cases, a person can have a serious dental infection and feel nothing. One thing’s for certain, waiting to visit the dentist until you are in pain is a bad idea. You could have a serious infection by that point that can turn into an expensive fix.

2. I don’t need to floss. MYTH.

This is not so much a rumor but more of a bad habit. People hate floss and will look for any excuse to avoid it. There has been some debate about the health benefits of floss, but an overwhelming majority of dentists still recommend flossing daily. The reason is simple. Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from your teeth and reduce the risk of gum disease. If you’re still not convinced, consider this fact: about 40 percent of your tooth is beneath the gum line. That area is almost impossible to reach with a toothbrush, so your best tool is floss.

3. Teeth whitening is bad for me. MYTH

Teeth whitening is one of the simplest form of cosmetic dentistry. It’s been used safely in dentistry for about 50 years. The whitening materials we use are not harmful to your body, but of course, you need to have a dental professional oversee your care. To be a candidate for whitening, you need to be in good oral health, which means you’re free of cavities and gum disease. Also, keep in mind that restorations (crowns, bridges, and veneers) cannot be whitened.

4. Gum disease only affects old people. MYTH

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can strike anyone at any age. In America, about 50 percent of adults will struggle with gum disease. So, if you’re 18 or older, it’s time to be a high alert for this problem. The risk of gum disease does go up as you age (those 65 and older have about a 70 percent chance of getting gum disease). We dentists worry about gum disease because it’s the leading cause of tooth loss! Additionally, gum disease can only be cured in its early stages. If you’re struggling with advanced periodontal disease, you’ll need gum disease treatment for the rest of your life. Our office regularly helps patients overcome gum infections and other problems like gum recession and gummy smile.

5. Dentures are as good as your teeth. MYTH

Your natural teeth are your best teeth. That’s why we dentists work so hard to help you keep them forever. Of course, that’s not always the case. Teeth can fall apart with age or dental disease. Dentures have been the most common way to replace missing teeth for hundreds of years. But dentures are not nearly as good as your natural teeth. The dentures rest on the gums and aren’t fixed into the jaw, so they have a tendency to slide around in the mouth. While there is no question that natural teeth are your best teeth, dental implants are the next best thing. Dental implants are made from titanium and fuse to the jawbone. The implants then act as root for your new teeth, whether you need a single crown, bridge, or denture.

Stick With Us for Great Dental Care

We hope that you have learned a great deal from our blogs and advice. If you are struggling with dental problems, don’t wait around to fix the problem. Give us a call today at 248-712-1522 (Royal Oak) 248-963-1969 (New Hudson)  or use our online form to schedule your visit.