INTRODUCTION-Through the years, Dentists have faced many myths and other unproven beliefs which passed from one generation to another.

SOME OF THE MYTHS AND REALITIES ARE-

  • Using a hard toothbrush will clean my teeth better than a soft toothbrush.
  • REALITY- Using a hard tooth brush can result in abrasion and removal of surface area of the tooth. A soft tooth brush used properly will clean the teeth.  
  • I never had a cavity as a child so I don’t need to worry about getting cavities as an adult.
  • REALITY- While past experience is an indicator for future cavities, many things can change your risk such as a dry mouth because of medication or change in diet.
  • Sugar is the only thing that causes cavities.
  • REALITY- It’s almost a fact. The truth is acid produced by bacteria in your mouth is the cause of cavities. Any carbohydrates you eat start the process. That includes sugar as well as rice, potatoes, bread, fruits, and vegetables.
  • As long as I visit the dentist every six months, my teeth will be fine.
  • REALITY- Regardless of how often you visit dentist, you must look after your teeth. You should practice good oral hygiene, consume healthy diet. (With as little sugar as possible).
  • Dental treatment is very painful.
  • REALITY- No, not any more. Advanced dental technologies and high quality anesthetic agents have rendered least amount of pain to the patient.
  • Extraction of teeth is linked to eye sight.
  • REALITY- Extraction of teeth has no relation with eye sight. Nerve supply of eye and teeth are entirely different.
  • Cleaning of teeth can lead to loosening of teeth.
  • REALITY- Cleaning of teeth does not lead to loosening of teeth. Roots of teeth are embedded in bone so teeth are gripped in bone and gums. Cleaning of teeth removes superficial deposits and stains. It also removes granulation tissue from gums. It prevents further deterioration of teeth and gums. Frequent cleaning of teeth after every six months prevent further bone loss of teeth. 
  • Dental treatment should not be done during pregnancy.
  • REALITY- Dental treatment like scaling and filling are absolutely safe during pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes gum problem increases in some cases so scaling can be done. Treatment like extraction of teeth is safe during second trimester of pregnancy. However only limited medicines can be given during pregnancy.  X-rays are absolutely contraindicated in the case of pregnancy.
  • Using toothpicks after every meal is must.
  • REALITY- This is not true. One should be very careful while using the toothpicks because they can damage the gums and other soft tissue in your mouth. It is advisable to use dental floss.
  • Flossing creates space between teeth.
  • REALITY- Floss is waxed thread that cleans the inter dental area. So chances of cavity and gum problem are less when we use floss. It also cleans food particles or fine food fibers that impact between two teeth. Flossing should be done regularly.