Dentistry has made rapid advancement throughout the world. Advancements in technology and new materials have resulted in simplifying dental treatment and providing the best possible care to patients. There have been lot of myths persisting in the minds of the public for a long period of time. Despite the progress in dentistry the myths persisting in the minds of people are yet to change.
Some of the common myths in dentistry among people are:
Myth
I should not brush when my teeth if my gums are bleeding.
Reality
Bleeding gums are often caused when dental plaque or food debris is not properly removed by regular brushing and flossing. If you notice that your gums become more prone to bleeding, it is a good idea to thoroughly and gently brush and floss them at least twice a day. If bleeding still continues, visit your dentist and take required treatment.
Myth
All dental procedures must be avoided during pregnancy.
Reality
Dental procedures like x rays and dental surgery should be avoided during pregnancy. Dental treatments can be safely carried out in the second trimester (4th – 6th month) of pregnancy. Dental check-up and treatment should be done prior to pregnancy. Inform your dentist about your pregnancy at the time of consultation.
Myth
One set of dentures will last lifetime.
Reality
Soft and hard tissues beneath the dentures change over a period of time. Dentures need to be re-fabricated over a period of time as the dentures will become loose and ill-fittings age progresses.
Myth
Scaling/cleaning of teeth will harm and loosen the teeth.
Reality
Teeth are held in position-by the bone surrounding the tooth. Calculus can sometimes bind the teeth together. Calculus causes inflammation of the gums and hence need to be removed. After removal of this calculus, there may be slight mobility of the teeth, however this is necessary to ensure recovery off the health of the supporting structures.
Myth
Dental procedures are always painful.
Reality
Most dental treat procedures are nowadays done under local anesthesia and hence are painless. Very fearful or anxious patient can undergo dental treatment under general anesthesia.
Myth
Root canal treatment requires a lot of visits to the dentist and is very painful.
Reality
With advanced instrumentation and newer techniques, root canal treatment (RCT) is almost become painless and a patient friendly procedure. RCT with single sitting is gaining rapid popularity.
Myth
Root canal treatment do not require crown.
Reality
After root canal treatment, the tooth would become brittle; hence it is necessary to crown such teeth. The brittle tooth is reinforced and made stronger with the help of crown. Also it ensures that the filling done after the root canal treatment is complete and does not get dislodged. The crown helps patient to chew food normal with adequate force just as a normal tooth.
Most patients do not place crown over root canal treated tooth and finally end up fracturing the tooth. When the tooth is fractured, dentist is left with no other option rather than to remove or extract the fractured tooth.
Myth
Weight loss can affect the fit of your dentures
Reality
The shape of tissues under the dentures determines the fit of the denture and weight loss has nothing to do with this.
Myth
Having the wisdom teeth removed will prevent crowding of the teeth.
Reality
There are very few cases when wisdom teeth cause crowding of the teeth. In many cases removing them will not solve the problem or will not re straighten the crowded teeth. If pain or discomfort is felt with the emerging wisdom teeth, a dental visit is necessary.
Myth
Decayed teeth should be removed
Reality
Decayed teeth can be restored by various methods due to the advancements made in dentistry. Restoration can vary from normal fillings to root canal treatment depending on the extent of decay. A tooth is comparable to any organ of the body and its loss is invaluable. Hence teeth should be preserved to the best possible.
Myth
Cleaning teeth with charcoal/ salt is very effective.
Reality
Cleaning teeth with charcoal/salt can lead to abrasion of teeth as these particles are very coarse and can abrade the tooth surfaces. Cleaning of teeth should be done using a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste regularly.
Conclusion
The long-time persisting myths among the common man should be removed by the dentists through counselling and treatment. Gradually as literacy is increasing in all countries, there will be a decrease in the myths about dentistry among the community to a certain extent.