Misconceptions and myths abound in this world. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many of us hold erroneous beliefs about our teeth, dentistry and dental hygiene in general. Recognizing them can help you to take better care of your oral health.
SPARKLING WATER IS BETTER FOR MY TEETH THAN SODA
Your body will probably be happier if you drink bubbly water instead of sugary or even diet colas, but the truth is that your teeth don’t really benefit all that much from the switch. The problem is that sparkling water is carbonated and is often flavored with citrus. These factors make your drink extra acidic, which can lead to enamel damage and tooth decay. Drinking sparkling water quickly through a straw can minimize these negative effects.
DENTAL X-RAYS ARE DANGEROUS
Actually, having an annual x-ray at your dentist’s office does not expose you to any more radiation than you would receive on an airplane flight. On the upside, the images these tests provide can be a diagnostic gold mine for your dental professional. Unless your doctor specifically recommends that you avoid x-rays because of a medical condition you have, they are worth it.
FLUORIDE SHOULD BE AVOIDED
There are those who will tell you that fluoride is dangerous and can kill you. In reality, you would need to ingest numerous small doses of fluoride over a very long period of time before it would be bad for you. Since small children often do not spit out their toothpaste, non-fluoride toothpaste is recommended for them.
WISDOM TEETH ALWAYS NEED TO BE REMOVED
While many people do need to get some or all of their wisdom teeth removed, this is not always the case. As long as your wisdom teeth are not impacted, painful or crowding your other teeth, you can keep them in for a lifetime.
Dentistry is a complicated science; that’s why it takes years of medical school before someone can open an office or join an already existing practice. Your teeth are important, and asking questions is one of the best ways to learn how to take care of them for a lifetime of oral health and a beautiful smile. At silverlakefamilydental.com/, we welcome all of your insights and are happy to address any concerns you might have. Contact us today to set up an appointment.