Everyone’s oral health is different, but many people have some misinformed ideas about how their teeth and mouth work. Many people learn a great deal of what they know about proper oral care through word of mouth, but poor advice can lead to oral health issues as well as other unintended consequences. Here’s a brief guide to some common misconceptions about dental health and the truths behind them to help you take better care of your mouth.
Falsehood One: Eating Lots of Sugar Causes Cavities
While it is true that sugar fuels tooth decay and is terrible for your oral health all around, the volume of sugar you consume isn’t the deciding factor in how much damage it can cause. While consuming excessive sugar can lead to significant overall health problems, oral infections can result from sugar being allowed to remain in the oral cavity for an extended period of time. For example, someone can consume a massive amount of sugar, but it will not contribute to tooth decay if the sugar never makes contact with the teeth. Using a straw can mitigate much of the damage of sugary drinks.
Falsehood Two: Sugar-Free Sodas Can’t Hurt Your Teeth
Sugary soda pop has caused tooth decay and been an all-around blight to people’s dental health for more than a century. It’s common knowledge that sugar is bad for your teeth, so many people assume that drinking diet or sugar-free sodas means they dodged the bullet. Unfortunately, sugar isn’t the only harmful ingredient in soda. Diet sodas are still incredibly high in acid that begins to erode your enamel on contact, which can lead to tooth decay and other infections. Make sure water is your everyday beverage.
Falsehood Three: White Teeth Are Always Healthier
Many cultures across the world have seen white teeth as a sign of health and beauty for thousands of years. While this isn’t a bad ideal to strive for, some methods for whitening teeth can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. Many non-professional whitening methods use abrasive tools or acidic chemicals to remove the stained layer of enamel to make teeth appear whiter, but this has the unfortunate side effect of making teeth more vulnerable to infections. Consult with your dentist before beginning any whitening treatments.
It’s a noble thing to take care of your teeth, but it’s important to care for them in the right way. By being informed about what affects your dental health, you help keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller earned his dental doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and has completed all seven levels of continuing education offered by the renowned Pankey Institute. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Kittanning, PA offers general, pediatric, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. For more information on taking proper care of your teeth, contact his office online or dial (724) 543-4948.