MYTH: It’s only a baby tooth, so I don’t need to take care of it.
FACT: Baby teeth are an important part of your child’s mouth and should be treated with the same care as permanent teeth. Not only do baby teeth (or primary teeth) help your child chew food, they are space holders for the permanent teeth to come. If a child loses a tooth prematurely, space must be maintained in order for the permanent tooth to have room. It is important to start brushing teeth as soon as they are visible and to visit the dentist every 6 months for routine cleanings.
MYTH: Diet sodas are okay to drink because they don’t have sugar in them.
FACT: While diet sodas do not contain cavity-causing sugars, they are highly acidic, with a pH level of 2-3. The acid in diet sodas will eat away at enamel and can cause tooth sensitivity.
MYTH: My teeth are unhealthy because I’m aging.
FACT: Aging, in and of itself will not cause unhealthy teeth and gums. However, as we age we do tend to take more medications, some of which can cause a condition called Xerostomia, or dry mouth. Dry mouth can contribute to a higher number of cavities/decay.
MYTH: Going to the dentist is a painful experience.
FACT: Many people avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid it’s going to hurt. But avoiding the dentist is what causes undetected decay that leads to pain! At Nadim Jubran dentistry we aim to make the entire process a comfortable one.
MYTH: Bad breath means you’re not brushing your teeth.
FACT: Bad breath can be caused by many factors. Certain foods, post-nasal drip, tonsil stones, acid reflux, and even bacteria that collect on the back of the tongue can cause bad breath. If you’re experiencing frequent bad breath, mention this at your next dental check-up so that we can find a solution.
MYTH: Bleaching products weaken teeth.
FACT: While bleaching your teeth can cause temporary tooth and gum sensitivity, it does not cause any damage to the enamel or weaken your teeth.
MYTH: You will know when you have tooth decay.
FACT: By the time tooth decay has caused pain, it has reached the pulp of the tooth where the nerve endings are located. When decay is this extensive, you will likely need a root canal and crown. Early tooth decay can be treated with tooth-colored fillings which is much less invasive and costly. The only way to detect early tooth decay is through diagnostic x-rays at your routine dental visits.
MYTH: Brushing is bad for bleeding gums
FACT: When your gums are bleeding it’s because plaque and food particles are accumulating along the gum line and irritating the gums. You may notice bleeding when you brush or floss because of this irritation. Continue to brush and floss to rid the gum line of plaque and food particles and the irritation (and therefore the bleeding) will lessen and eventually stop.
MYTH: You’ve been slacking on brushing and flossing and have a dentist appointment coming up. As long as you brush well before going in, no one will know, right?
FACT: When you skip regular brushing and flossing, hard tartar builds up and can only be removed in the dental office. So, despite your best “pre-dental visit” brush, we know if you’ve been regularly brushing and flossing.