Dental myths usually hold you back from pursuing timely dental care. Taking care of the tooth as much as you take care of yourself reflects on your total physical well-being.

Let us understand some common myths surrounding dentistry:

1. TOOTH EXTRACTION AFFECTS EYE SIGHT

Tooth extraction will not affect eyesight in any way,as there is no direct link between the two.

2. SCALING MAKES TOOTH THINNER AND LOOSE

Cleaning removes only the tartar/calculus stuck to the tooth without damaging the tooth underneath.When large amount of deposits are removed, you may feel that teeth have become thinner, but this will last only for a short while.

3. A LITTLE BLEEDING WHILE BRUSHING IS NORMAL

Gums will bleed only if inflamed, infected or injured. Bleeding gums are usually a cause of concern for many and hence it needs to be attended to.

4. ONE SHOULD NOT BRUSH IF GUMS ARE BLEEDING

Plaque and food debris will cause the gums to swell and bleed. These deposits can be removed with thorough brushing and flossing. If gum bleeding persists, a professional dental cleaning may be required.

5. ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IS DONE ONLY WHEN TOOTH STARTS HURTING

Root canal treatment is done  to save the tooth.The sooner it is done,the more tooth structure is preserved and as a result,the outcome of the treatment is more predictable.An infected, painful tooth takes longer time to heal.

6. MILK TEETH FALL OFF NATURALLY; SAVING THEM IS NOT IMPORTANT

Milk teeth will fall off naturally at different stages of the growth of the child;between 6 and 12 years of age. Premature loss of milk teeth will reduce the size of the jaw,this may lead to greater chances of crowding of upcoming permanent teeth.

7. TOOTH STRAIGHTENING IS ONLY FOR CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS

Teeth can be straightened at any age. Most adults are concerned about their appearance while treatment is on. There are newer treatment modalities like ceramic and lingual braces which are invisible.

8. ANY DENTAL TREATMENT DONE ONCE, IS FOR LIFE

No dental treatment is maintenance- free. Follow up visits are needed. Generally, six month follow-up visits are recommended to monitor the progress and outcome of the procedures.

9. DENTAL TREATMENT IS PAINFUL

Regular follow-up visits and timely intervention can lead to painless comfortable dental treatment.