As always when it comes to health, there are many myths about oral health and visits to the dentist. At Dents Mon Quartier, we believe that better informed patients know how to make better decisions and adopt the right habits to take care of their oral health daily. That is why we address 5 myths about oral health in the following, to rectify some points.
"Only sugary drinks and foods cause cavities"
Since we were little, we have been told that it is sugar that causes cavities. It is therefore considered that eating sweets and drinking sweet beverages, such as soft drinks, directly increases our risk of developing cavities. While it is true that eating these sweet foods is risky for the health of a smile, it is not to be believed that these are the only foods that may be involved.
Cavities feed on the sugar in the food residues in our mouths. They then produce acids that attack the enamel of the teeth and puncture it. Bacteria love many types of sugars, including starch, which is a form of complex carbohydrates found naturally in bread, rice, pasta, and in certain processed foods (crackers, chips, cakes, etc.). Even if these foods do not have a sweet taste, they can still lead to the formation of cavities when the cleaning of the teeth is not properly done after consumption.
"The gums that bleed when flossing, it's normal."
Many people believe that bleeding from the gums is normal when flossing. Worse still, some think it is a sign that we need to stop using it daily. However, the bleeding gums are rather a sign of gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums. This means that flossing is not done regularly enough.
Our advice: continue flossing at least once a day, and bleeding should stop gradually. If in doubt, consult your dentist!
"Dental x-rays are dangerous."
Digital X-rays, a modern technology we use at Dents Mon Quartier, emit far less hazardous radiation than was the case with traditional X-rays once used. In addition, it is estimated that x-rays at the dentist account for only about 3% of annual irradiation (the body's exposure to radiation).
In comparison, a plane trip is the equivalent of about 5 dental x-rays for every hour of travel! We are certain that will not stop you from flying on your next vacation…
"You don't have to see my dentist if I don't have a toothache."
Be careful! In most cases, cavities and other dental problems begin to cause pain when they are already at an advanced stage. Indeed, most cavities are asymptomatic when they are at an early stage of development. The dentist is the only person who can then detect cavities during a complete dental examination, as well as other pathologies such as gum disease, dental cracks, or oral cancer...
Regular check-ups allow the dentist to make a quick diagnosis to provide you with the necessary care to avoid complications.
"Seeing my dentist every 6 months is too expensive..."
We cannot say it enough! Regular visits to the dentist are more than essential for you to receive the appropriate care, depending on your oral condition. Indeed, there is a cost associated with these visits, but it is less than the costs involved in dealing with a problem that has evolved, due to lack of diagnosis and care received on time. Routine visits are therefore a long-term investment for the health of your smile, but also for maintaining your overall health! Your dental team may suggest the frequency of your visits depending on your overall and oral health.
If you have any questions related to your oral health, treatments, or hygiene, please consult our team on your next visit to our LaSalle dental clinic!
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D