Don't be fooled by these 5 dental health myths

Ahhhh…the lovely, smooth, clean mouth feeling you score from visiting the dentist.

Sitting in that chair is a redeeming experience that gives you an extra spring in your step as you walk out the front doors. Overall, you feel like a million bucks after each and every one of those appointments. Visiting the dentist is a great experience because it’s one you control. You’re able to chat with your dentist about any concerns and point out any areas of anxiety.

In the spirit of healthy teeth we’ve compiled a list of five dental health myths to help you stay informed about your dazzling smile.

1. If you aren’t in pain, you don’t need a dentist

Don’t wait until you’re in pain to visit the dentist. Sure, pain is a signal of a dental problem, but you may have a dental issue and not even be aware of it. Unlike other illnesses, dental disease doesn’t always have noticeable symptoms. You may think you’re fine until the pain sets in, by this time you may need more complex treatment. Visit your dentist regularly to catch issues early and avoid any unexpected surprises!

2. Braces are just for teenagers/kids

The great news about getting braces when you’re older is that you won’t endure the whole brace-face taunts that many of us suffered through during those monumental high school days. Tons of adults turn to braces and get the same benefits that children do. Not only do they straighten your teeth, but they help correct problems like crowded teeth, incorrect jaw position, or jaw joint disorders. Leave these untreated and you might develop tooth decay, gum disease, as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems.

3. Whiter teeth are healthier

Feeling down about off-white teeth? It’s totally natural for your teeth to be off white, and this colour will vary between individuals. If you’re worried about poor dental hygiene then remember to brush twice a day, floss daily, eat a balanced diet, and don’t smoke. Visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning. Prevent your teeth from staining by avoiding tea, coffee, red wine, and smoking. Chat with your dentist about whitening services and be ready to chat about your expectations, options, and anything else you should be aware of like tooth sensitivity.

4. Brushing alone will clean your teeth

Brushing your teeth to get rid of harmful bacteria isn’t enough since it only cleans the exposed surfaces of the teeth. That’s why you need to use floss, which cleans between your teeth. Professional dental cleanings remove hard tartar buildup from the tooth’s surface.

5. Only old people get gum disease

Lots of people think that gums start to recede at a later age, but younger adults are at risk too and they might not even know it. This one’s a concern because as your gums recede the root of your tooth is exposed, a problem since it doesn’t have the same protective enamel covering as the rest of your tooth. This is when you might start to notice tooth sensitivity and root decay. Your teeth can also become loose, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

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Worried about any of these problems? Find a dentist using this search tool and read up at www.yourdentalhealth.ca.