What stands in the way of a Hollywood smile?  Dispelling Dental Health Myths

What stands in the way of a Hollywood smile? Dispelling Dental Health Myths

Despite advances in science, there are many myths in medicine, especially about caries, one of the most common diseases on Earth. We demystify the most popular ones and learn how to take care of your teeth wisely.

Myth #1. Caries appears from the candy.

The most popular statement actually turns out to be a myth. The cause of tooth decay is not in sweets and chocolate, but in food scraps that get stuck between the teeth. Surprisingly, an apple with a lollipop can cause tooth decay. These conclusions were made by experts from the British Dental Association. So-called cariogenic products include complex carbohydrates. All baked goods are at risk: from sweet pastries to seemingly innocuous Borodino bread, meat dishes and even vegetables. To maintain a healthy smile, dentists advise an integrated approach to prevention: 1) a mandatory visit to the doctor at least twice a year; 2) brush your teeth for at least two minutes in the morning after breakfast and in the evening after dinner; 3) the use of additional means of prevention of dental diseases, such as mouthwashes, dental floss and sugar-free chewing gum, which must be chewed immediately after eating.

Myth #2. Caries is a consequence of other diseases.

No no and again no. Caries can appear even in a perfectly healthy person. It is important to remember that a tooth affected by caries is a source of chronic infection in the body, which in the future can cause diseases of the cardiovascular system and joints, as well as allergic reactions. For example, experts from Yale University have proven that tooth decay can lead to pneumonia. It was found that people who suffered a greater number of hospitalizations due to developed pneumonia had a worse condition of the oral cavity – teeth and gums – than volunteers who did not have pneumonia. To reduce the risk, visit the dentist at least three times a year and teach children about proper oral care from an early age.

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Myth #3. If the teeth do not hurt, they are healthy.

Statement quite dangerous for your teeth. Hidden caries that appears between adjacent teeth is very common, its early stage is painless, and discomfort is a sign that the caries has already deeply affected the tooth tissue. In addition, the pain threshold of each person is individual, which means that the earlier the doctor detects the focus of the disease, the easier it will be to eliminate its consequences.

Myth #4: The more toothpaste, the better.

Don’t look for easy solutions. To prevent tooth decay, it’s not the amount of toothpaste that counts, but how you brush your teeth. Surely everyone knows the key rules of toothbrushing: for about three minutes, direct the brush at a 45 degree angle to the teeth and gums, from the front teeth to the molars, in the direction from the gum to the tooth and not the other way around.

Myth number 5. The more expensive the paste, the more effective it is.

The high cost and luxury of toothpaste does not mean that it is suitable for you. To find the right oral hygiene products, consult your dentist. When choosing a paste, you should focus on the age, type and problems of the teeth, without being expensive.

Myth number 6. Fluoride paste is the best protection against cavities.

It should be noted that there is always a rational grain in this delirium. Fluoride helps prevent cavities because it mineralizes the enamel, making it stronger. But at the same time, an excess of fluoride, on the contrary, can lead to brittle teeth, so use moderation when using fluoride paste.

Myth number 7. Bad breath – just because of cavities.

In fact, there are many reasons for bad breath. Teeth can be absolutely healthy, and the problem may lie in otolaryngological diseases (tonsillitis, laryngitis, otitis media, sinusitis) or gastrointestinal diseases (ulcers, gastritis, colitis). Additionally, bad breath can cause hormonal imbalances or liver dysfunction.

Myth number 8. Caries is a problem of modern man.

Don’t believe the movies where the Stone Age characters put on a luxurious Hollywood smile. Archaeologists claim that people who lived on our planet as early as 3000-2000 BC suffered from caries. Today, caries is the leader among other diseases, 99% of people know about it.

Take good care of your teeth and smile more often!

Source: The Voice Mag

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