Dental Health for Adults: Common Myths and Misconceptions

Dental Health for Adults: Common Myths and Misconceptions

Many adults think they're in the clear when it comes to dental health. After all, they've already finished growing up and got their permanent teeth by the time they were 12 or so. But your mouth is still susceptible to cavities and other dental problems for years to come—and because of this, it's important for adults to know the common myths about tooth decay and gum disease that can lead them astray from good oral hygiene practices.

Myth: My teeth are too far gone to save.

You may have heard that your teeth are too far gone to save. If your teeth are in bad shape, there is no reason why you cannot get them fixed and back on track with dental hygiene. While it's true that certain problems like cavities and gum disease can't be reversed, this doesn't mean that the rest of the mouth cannot be treated. A dentist will always try their best to help improve your oral health, even if some issues aren't fixable right away.

Myth: Tooth decay is inevitable.

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, can be prevented with good oral hygiene. The bacteria that cause tooth decay are constantly being produced in your mouth and if left alone will produce acids that break down your teeth. These acids occur when you eat or drink foods containing sugars and carbohydrates (like soda). If you don't brush and floss regularly or if you don't see a dentist regularly, these bacteria will spread throughout your mouth and start destroying the protective surface of your teeth. You may experience pain or sensitivity as a result of this destruction; however, it can be reversed with regular brushing (at least twice daily) and flossing (at least once daily).

Myth: Flossing isn't necessary.

Flossing is one of those things that people don't often think about but can make a huge difference in your oral health. The misconception here is that you only need to floss if you have gum disease or something else wrong with your teeth.

But even if you don't have problems, flossing once a day can help prevent cavities and bad breath (it's true!). That's because it gets rid of food particles and plaque build-up between teeth that brushing doesn't reach. Flossing also helps prevent gingivitis from developing into periodontitis (gum disease).

Myth: The best way to go about dental care is to wait until something hurts.

There's a common misconception that if you don't have pain, you aren't at risk for problems with your teeth or gums. However, this is not the case! In fact, if you notice any changes in your oral health—even minor ones—it's best to get them checked out by a Missiasgua dentist as soon as possible because they could be signs of larger issues at hand (and therefore more expensive). The longer things are left unchecked and untreated, the more likely they are to become serious and costly.

Myth: It's too expensive so I won't bother seeing a dentist until I have an emergency situation on my hands.

The tendency seems to be one where people tend not to want to spend money on preventative care unless they absolutely need it—but this isn't good practice! Taking preventative measures early is much better than waiting until there's something wrong before seeking treatment from a professional; you'll save yourself some time and money in the long run by taking preventative actions today instead of waiting until tomorrow.

Myth: "Natural" remedies are better than traditional medical practices.

In the United States, we have a tendency to look for quick fixes and turn to natural remedies when medical treatment is needed. However, we often forget that "natural" doesn't always mean better. In fact, some remedies can be outright dangerous or ineffective. If you're seeking out a new treatment regimen for your dental health needs—whether it's with a traditional doctor or naturopath—don't be afraid of asking questions about what you're being prescribed and why. In many cases, combining traditional medical practices with alternative therapies can offer the best results for your situation.

Myth: You can't get cavities as an adult.

• If you've heard the myth that it's impossible to get a cavity as an adult, it may be time to rethink your position. What's true is that children are more at risk for cavities because their teeth are still developing and they don't brush and floss regularly. However, bacteria can cause tooth decay at any age and dental treatment is always recommended when necessary—even if you're over 18!

• Cavities form when bacteria on the surface of your teeth (plaque) combines with sugar particles in your mouth. Plaque builds up over time and can harden into tartar if not removed by brushing regularly and having regular dental checkups. Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque, which means that once it has formed, it's much harder to prevent future damage from occurring in other parts of your mouth (such as gum disease).

Conclusion

Dental health is important for everyone, and it’s a good idea to keep up with the latest information about your oral health. That way, you can take steps toward preventing tooth decay before it starts—or, better yet, prevent gum disease altogether!