Dr. Sri Akshitha (BDS)
Published on - 20 Nov 2023
Teeth are an essential part of the human body, playing a crucial role in various aspects of our lives, including eating, speaking, and overall facial aesthetics. Over time, various myths and facts have emerged about teeth, influencing our beliefs and practices related to dental care. Let's explore some common myths and facts about teeth:
MYTH: WE HAVE TO BRUSH OUR TEETH IMMEDIATELY AFTER EVERY MEAL
FACT : Brushing immediately following eating may cause tooth damage, which may surprise you. The enamel on your teeth is the toughest component in your body, tougher than any bone, and it acts as a protective coating. Food acids weaken the enamel and leave teeth in their weakest state immediately after eating
Brushing with soft bristles can be harsh when the enamel has been weakened by acids. Saliva in your mouth naturally washes away food particles and gives your enamel the balance and protection it needs. Saliva functions as an antibacterial agent and lowers the acidity in your mouth.
MYTH: WE HAVE TO BRUSH OUR TEETH SO HARD TO CLEAN THEM:
FACT: We have always been taught that cleaning our teeth vigorously will clean, whiten, and eliminate cavities more efficiently. Teeth are quite hard; they are protected by gums. Brushing too hard causes the gums to recede, and once they have receded from the neck of the teeth, they will not regrow, exposing the enamel to bacteria that thrive on food remains. As a result, in due course of time, the nerve is exposed and the teeth become extremely sensitive. Hence always use a soft-bristled brush. Brush in a gentle and delicate manner, using circular motions.
MYTH: WHITE TEETH ARE HEALTHIER THAN YELLOW TEETH:
FACT :The colour of tooth enamel differs from person to person. Whiter teeth may not always indicate better dental health. Many teeth whitening products and treatments can brighten your smile, but they do not remove cavities or infections.
MYTH: CAVITIES IN THE TEETH ARE INHERITED:
FACT :People frequently blame their poor oral health on heredity. The fact is that most cavities are completely preventable by simply maintaining good oral hygiene practices.
MYTH: SUGAR IS THE ONLY CULPRIT FOR CAVITY FORMATION:
FACT:Tooth decay can be caused by any carbohydrate consumption, not only sugar. Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth produce acid. When attempting to prevent the formation of cavities, it is important to avoid processed foods. It is safer to eat tooth-friendly foods such as nuts and veggies which are rich in fibre.
MYTH: PRIMARY TEETH DON’T REQUIRE ANY CARE:
FACT : Milk teeth serve as space maintainers and guide their permanent successors in their appropriate location in children. If children do not receive frequent dental checkups, they might have tooth problems. Oral infections can persist after milk teeth fall out and can be transmitted to permanent teeth, making it even more crucial to treat children for tooth decay..
MYTH: ALL THE WISDOM TEETH NEED TO BE REMOVED:
FACT : All wisdom teeth do not need to be removed if they can erupt and function normally without causing discomfort or crowding. When you notice the first symptoms of wisdom tooth eruption, it is best to schedule a routine dental check-up.
MYTH: YOU HAVE TO VISIT DENTIST ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE PAIN:
FACT: If you wait until you are in pain to see the dentist, you might end up in a lot of trouble that could possibly have been prevented. When dental problems are detected early, they are significantly easier to cure or reverse. Cavities and gum disease are normally painless for a long period, so you won't notice anything wrong.
When you start feeling the pain, the problem has already become worse. You might require a root canal or tooth extraction for a condition that might have been managed with less invasive methods.