At Marc J. Beshar Dentistry, we’re used to patients asking us questions. And that’s ok because chatting with our patients is always enjoyable. Occasionally, we’ll get a question that goes something like this: “I heard from a friend that if you (insert dental myth here), that it’s better for your teeth.” Sometimes they’re true, but more often than not, they leave our staff scratching their heads.
Take a look below at some common dental myths we’ve heard, and learn the truth is behind them, so you can better care for your smile.
“Whitening your teeth keeps them healthy!”
Not so fast — teeth whitening is good for improving your teeth aesthetically, but it doesn’t prevent disease. The periodontal disease typically manifests in the gums, while cavities will appear on the surface of the teeth. Teeth whitening will do little to hide these conditions.
If you desire teeth whitening, talk to us about what you can do to improve the condition of your teeth. In the meantime, keep up a good oral regimen and follow instructions for maintaining your whitened smile.
“When your gums bleed, you should stop brushing them.”
On the contrary, don’t stop cleaning your gums. Bleeding gums are a sign that you’re either not flossing, or it could be an early sign of gum disease. Please schedule an urgent appointment with us in New York City to have your bleeding gums looked at. In the meantime, continue to brush and floss them.
“Stay away from sugar completely to avoid cavities.”
Many patients believe that sugar is what directly causes cavities and decay, but it’s neglecting to brush your teeth after meals that’s the worst offender. Bacteria in your mouth feed on leftover food particles, especially sugary treats. As they eat, they dispense acidic waste which forms plaque and eventually leads to decay. Maintaining a strict oral health regimen will help protect your smile even if you eat some sweets now and then.
“You don’t always need to floss.”
Flossing is vital for keeping up your oral health. The easiest places for bacteria and infections to grow is between your teeth in those hard-to-reach spots. Even the best toothbrush won’t be able to reach every nook and cranny, so flossing should be your next step. Leaving particles to fester between your teeth can lead to infections, gum disease, gum recession, and bad breath. If you’re struggling with flossing, ask us about flossing techniques to keep your smile clean and healthy.
“If you have bad breath, you need to brush better.”
While infections and bacteria in the mouth can lead to bad breath, the cause may not always be in your mouth. If you have persistent bad breath and changes to your oral health regimen have not helped, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. It could be a symptom of changes in your body, reactions to the new medicine, and more.
“Dental implants are experimental.”
Dental implants are not experimental — in fact, they’ve been around for over 50 years. While the technology continues to evolve, the basic function of dental implants remains the same: it helps fill the gap in your smile, improves the condition of your jawbone, and keeps your bite pressure healthy.
Dental implants are a new frontier for many patients, but the treatment has been available for a long time. If you’re missing one or more teeth or are considering changing out your dentures, consult with Dr. Beshar to see if you qualify for dental implants.
Tell Us Your Dental Myth in New York, NY
Have you heard a dental health rumor and want to double-check if it’s true? Ask Dr. Beshar or one of our experienced and knowledgeable staff members — they’ll be happy to answer your questions.
You can also contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Beshar and find out if you can benefit from dental implants or any of our other services.