There are several myths about general dentistry out there. These misconceptions present a risk because they might prevent you from getting the proper dental care that you need. This article dispels a few common general dentistry myths so you can make the best decision about your dental health.
Common misconceptions related to general dentistry include the following:
When it comes to dental care, prevention is always better than undergoing treatment. Many people do not realize that identifying and treating a tooth problem early is considerably more accessible and less expensive than waiting until it is too late.
It is advisable to visit a dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and exams, even if there is no discomfort. Although some dental problems are asymptomatic, they can still lead to infection and require treatment. Delaying the process might mean needing more expensive and invasive treatment. Furthermore, the probability of saving the tooth might be lower at a later date.
Flossing does not cause gaps to form between the teeth. It helps prevent decay between the teeth. Flossing removes food particles from between your teeth and gums, helping to keep them healthy and eliminating dangerous bacteria. Bleeding gums may occur when patients first start flossing, but after a few weeks of consistent flossing, the bleeding should stop. If the bleeding persists after flossing for a while, the gum disease may be more serious, and it is better to visit the dentist to identify the cause and get treatment.
The importance of baby teeth cannot be overstated. They provide permanent teeth enough room to line up below the gums and grow inappropriately. If not treated promptly, cavities in an infant's teeth can result in tooth loss much earlier than is typical, leaving a gap. If this occurs, a dentist can provide an artificial space maintainer until the permanent tooth emerges. That said, the best natural space maintainers are baby teeth.
Therefore, it is critical to keep a child's teeth in the best possible condition. If a child fails to care for their baby teeth, they may not take oral care seriously as adults, leading to more severe and costly dental problems as they become older.
While dental professionals recommend brushing at least twice a day, brushing at a certain time can influence oral health. The salivary glands produce less saliva during sleep. Saliva flow is higher during the day and offers a cleaning effect that is not available at night.
People with dry mouths have more cavities because they have less natural saliva to clean their mouth and remove food particles. Failure to clean the teeth before going to bed means the food particles remain on the teeth throughout the night, contributing to tooth decay over time. Brushing the teeth first thing in the morning helps prevent decay and foul breath. Additionally, food plays an important influence in dental health. Brushing soon after ingesting sugar or carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks is suggested to avoid cavities.
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Patients need to visit the general dentistry office to keep their dental health in good condition. Contact the dental office to book an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at 818-657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.
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