subject: The Dentist And Myths You Should Never Believe [print this page] It seems every area of health care is surrounded by its fair share of myths and misconceptions. When you introduce sketchy holistic medicine and Eastern philosophies into the mix, you get a lot of confusion in areas of science where really none exists. Dental care is perhaps no more affected by these myths than any other area of health, but they are equally important to squelch in either instance. Believing in these myths can cause you to forgo care you need in some cases, and that's simply no good. Ask your dentist about these prevalent myths and do you and your teeth a favor.
Oral Health is Self Contained
Perhaps because you see a dentist for your oral health and a doctor for everything else, people get the idea that the mouth is somehow self contained when it comes to your overall health. A problem with your teeth and gums, however, can have an impact in other areas of the body. For instance, studies have shown a link between gum health and the heart. If you needed another reason to keep your regular dental appointments and treat your brushing routine with respect, there it is.
Just Avoid Sweets
While avoiding sugary drinks and snacks is a good way to prevent cavities; it isn't the end-all, be all of oral health care. There is, of course, the importance of maintaining a strict dental regimen. This includes brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist every six months. But there are other foods that can cause just as many problems for your teeth as candy and Coke. The body treats any foods high in carbohydrates in much the same way as simple sugars and they can cause the same problems in your teeth as those aforementioned "sweets". There's nothing wrong with eating these foods, but you must not let them sit in your mouth and become an ongoing problem.
Tooth Procedures Hurt
Many people put off the dental care they need because of this myth. They believe that whatever dental procedure awaits them is going to hurt and thus they choose to live with whatever pain they are already dealing with. While this may have been true a decade ago, you have to know that science and technology has come a long way in a short time. The dentist is working with tools today that would not have been commonplace twenty years ago. This means that many oral health care procedures are not particularly painful. Certainly, they are not worth avoiding on account of the discomfort.
