As an adult, you realize that rainbows don’t lead to a pot of gold. There are many old myths that entertain children, but you know better. But do you believe common myths that still exist about teeth? Misunderstanding your smile can lead to serious consequences in the long term, so take a look at this blog post from your dentist in Westhampton to learn the truth about your pearly whites.
White teeth are always healthy.
For most people, perfectly aligned, perfectly white teeth compose the perfect smile. However, whiteness doesn’t guarantee health. In fact, plaque is a sticky white substance that houses harmful bacteria and can accumulate and calcify on teeth. When this happens, you can experience cavities or gum disease. Untreated gum disease can cause your gums to bleed, become swollen, and even recede from the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss. So, even if your teeth are white, it doesn’t mean that they are perfectly healthy.
Brushing too hard can make your gums bleed.
When you brush your teeth and spit, do you see red in the sink? If you do, it’s not because you’re brushing too aggressively. Believe it or not, when healthy, your gums are tough and can withstand brushing and flossing without bleeding. However, when an infection is involved, that’s a different story. One of the most common first signs of gum disease is bleeding, inflamed gums. If you’re bleeding when you brush, see your dentist for treatment to get your oral health back on track.
Sugar causes cavities.
The relationship between sugar and cavities is much more complex than cause and effect. When you eat or drink sugary substances, the bacteria in your mouth also consume the sugar and produce a toxic acid. This acid breaks down your teeth’s enamel, causing decay. Although limiting your sugar intake is a good idea for your overall as well as your oral health, it’s more important to make sure that plaque and food particles don’t stay in your mouth for these bacteria to feed on.
Putting aspirin on a tooth can help a toothache.
Have you ever heard the old wives’ tale that putting aspirin between your cheek and gums can ease the pain of a toothache? This method is supposed to provide faster relief by this direct contact, but the truth is that taking an anti-inflammatory pain medication as directed and allowing it to enter your bloodstream is much more effective. In fact, the dissolving aspirin can cause damage to the gum tissue.
With this new knowledge, you’ll be able to take better care of your smile. To keep your teeth and gums in top shape, make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice every day, and 30 minutes after you consume something sugary, and floss once daily. Visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings to ensure that you steer clear of oral problems. Has it been a while since your last dental appointment? Schedule yours today!
About Beach Dental
At Beach Dental, Dr. Alexis Gersten, Dr. Jason Parli, and Dr. Daniel Lim each have years of clinical experience and know how to keep Westhampton smiles bright and healthy. Offering a wide range of services from preventive checkups and cleanings to advanced dental implant placement, they can handle your family’s every dental need under one roof. To schedule an appointment with Beach Dental, you can call (631) 325-0731 or click here.