Because going to the dentist is sometimes a source of fear for adults as well as children, it's probably not surprising that a number of prevalent myths have propagated regarding dental health and various techniques to ensure one's well being.
Once you stop going to your regular dental appointments, after all, you don't have a professional source from whom you can ask questions.
You're stuck with believing whatever you hear from your nervous aunt or that guy at work who also believes in extra terrestrials.
Believing in these myths can be dangerous if they lead you to do things that might be contrary to good oral health.
Here are a few that should be dispensed.
Whitening Harms Teeth While whitening products can be unpleasant for those with sensitive teeth, is there any proof behind the widely held belief that it is actually doing harm? Certainly it hasn't stopped many whitening kits from being among the best selling oral care products in the U.
S.
The truth is that there is very little harm is using these products.
If you follow the directions on the box, these products will only affect the color of your enamel and will do nothing to its strength or-as some people fear-its width.
Part of this myth originates from the fact that too much whitening can actually strip the tooth of a great deal of pigmentation, leaving them translucent.
While this may not look like what you had in mind, the tooth itself is still just as strong as it ever was.
Don't Brush Bleeding Gums If you avoid whitening products because you think they will harm your teeth, no real danger is done.
You don't get the pearly gleam you dream of, but you certainly aren't at any risk because you chose to forgo whitening.
If you aren't brushing because your gums are bleeding, however, you are making a big mistake.
Bleeding gums occur because plaque and bacteria has begun to inflame and infect them.
You need to brush to get all that gunk out.
Better yet, you need to go in for a professional cleaning from your dentist.
Bad Breath is a Symptom of Bad Hygiene This can be true in some instances, but it usually isn't.
Don't forget that bad breath has a lot of causes beyond bacteria in the mouth.
Eat some garlic the night before and people probably won't want you whispering to them the next day regardless of how well you brush.
The same holds true of smokers.
If you are sick or following certain diets, your breath may also give you away.
While there are instances of bad breath that are a direct result of an oral health problem, don't assume someone isn't going to the dentist for that reason alone.