There are a lot of myths floating around about teeth. Some people think that if your teeth are white, then they must be healthy. Others believe that sugar is the root of all tooth decay. And still others think that baby teeth aren’t important at all. In this blog post, we will dispel these myths and give you the truth about your teeth!
Myth: White teeth are healthy teeth.
The truth is that the color of your teeth has nothing to do with their health. Part of this is due to the fact that normal tooth color is slightly tinted with red, yellow, or gray. Your teeth can be slightly tinted and healthy, as well as being white and still having cavities or other problems. The best way to ensure that your teeth are healthy is to brush and floss them every day and see your dentist regularly for checkups.
Myth: Sugar rots teeth.
While sugar can definitely contribute to tooth decay, it is not the only factor. In fact, there are multiple things that lead to tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene, plaque buildup, and acid erosion are also major contributors to tooth decay. Brushing and flossing your teeth after eating sugary foods can help reduce the risk of cavities.
Myth: Baby teeth are not important.
Many people incorrectly assume that since baby teeth will eventually fall out that they are not as important as permanent teeth. However, baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth! They help your child learn to chew and speak correctly, and they also act as placeholders for the permanent teeth. It’s extremely important to care for baby teeth by brushing and flossing them regularly to prevent them from falling out too soon.
Myth: Teeth are bones.
Many people also assume that teeth are part of their skeleton and are bones. However, teeth are not actually made of bone. Instead they are made up of three different layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The enamel is the hard outer layer, the dentin is the porous middle layer, and the dental pulp is the innermost layer that contains the nerves and blood vessels.
Myth: Tooth sensitivity is only caused by a loss of tooth enamel.
While tooth sensitivity can certainly be caused by thinning tooth enamel, this is not the only cause of tooth sensitivity. There are many reasons why teeth can become sensitive, including gum disease, tooth decay, and cracked teeth. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, see your dentist to find out the cause and get treatment.
Myth: Teeth deteriorate with age.
While it’s true that teeth can wear down, yellow in color, and become less strong as you age, tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, you can help prevent tooth loss by keeping your teeth healthy with good oral hygiene, and by seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Myth: Teeth whitening can hurt your teeth.
If done correctly, teeth whitening is perfectly safe. However, it’s important to follow the directions on any over the counter teeth whitening products, and to see your dentist if you have any concerns. Professional whitening services also carry less risk since they are performed by your dentist.
We hope this blog post has helped dispel some of the myths about teeth! Remember, taking good care of your teeth is the best way to keep them healthy. Brush and floss regularly, see your dentist for checkups, and eat a healthy diet. Your teeth will thank you!
