No matter what your age, it is important to see a dentist for a checkup twice a year. Doing so will keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce your risk of various oral health problems, like cavities and gum disease. However, there are certain dental myths that may prevent individuals from going to the dentist when they need to.
Here are some common dental myths you should know about.
1. Myth: Oral Health Does not Affect the Rest of Your Body
Some people falsely assume that your oral health isn't connected to the rest of your body. When you have advanced tooth decay or gum disease, bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and increase your risk of certain health issues like heart disease and stroke.
2. Myth: You Only Need to Go to the Dentist If You're in Pain
Just because you are not experiencing any pain, does not mean that you do not have any oral health problems. Cavities, for example, can take a while to show symptoms. By the time you feel pain, the decay has already progressed. To reduce your risk of dental health issues, remember to see your dentist twice a year for a checkup.
3. Myth: Baby Teeth Don't Matter
Some parents do not take care of their kids' baby teeth because they will just fall out anyway. However, bad oral hygiene habits can cause these baby teeth to fall out too early, resulting in bite problems. It is important to start taking your children to the dentist once they get their first tooth.
4. Myth: You Shouldn't Floss Bleeding Gums
Seeing blood after you floss can be quite alarming. However, that does not mean you should stop flossing. When your gums bleed, it indicates plaque buildup. If you continue to floss gently every day, the bleeding should subside.
5. Myth: You Shouldn't See a Dentist If You're Pregnant
Another common misconception about dental care is that it should be avoided while you are pregnant. The truth is, however, that dental care may be even more necessary during your pregnancy. Fluctuating hormones can increase your risk of gum disease and a dentist can detect the condition in the early stages.
As you can see, there are still many myths about dental care out there. Maintaining good oral health can keep your entire body healthy. If it has been more than six months since your last dental checkup, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
Our oral surgery and general dental website offers important information on how to prevent dry socket following a tooth extraction. After getting your tooth pulled, a protective blood clot develops over the extraction site. Many of our blog posts explain how this protective clot helps promote healing after an extraction.
You'll learn that if the clot is accidentally dislodged, dry socket may occur, which can raise your risk for infection and heavy bleeding. We'll provide you with important tips on how to prevent this by avoiding smoking and drinking through a straw. You'll also learn that swishing water around your mouth should be avoided for a couple of days following your extraction because doing so creates a suction that may dislodge your clot, leading to dry socket.