Mr Harry pops in pills collected from a chemist to alleviate tooth ache and swelling so that he can go to the dentist to do a root canal treatment.

He has been doing this since his friend told him that his dentist prescribed medicines before he did root canal therapy. Neither did the pain and swelling subside completely nor could he go to the dentist before the teeth broke off as he ate a toffee. Myths of dentistry may have originated from past experience or might have passed from generations to the next. With the advent of better technology and greater scientific knowledge of human dental tissues the myths of dentistry are countered by facts and truths effectively.

Myths Versus truth

Myth:  Teeth become decayed due to calcium deficiency.

Truth:  When teeth are formed the calcium is deposited in it and once the teeth is formed only the surface is remodelled on relation to the according to the pH levels in the mouth. Dental caries is caused by bacteria which act of food makes acids which causes caries. After caries has occurred using calcium tablets will not cure or improve the situation. Calcium deficiency in the patient will not affect the structure of the tooth.

Myth: Professional cleaning/scaling/removal of calculus makes the teeth loose.

Truth: Bad oral hygiene results in the deposition of calculus on the tooth surface. These deposits irritate the gums causing inflammation and bleeding gums. The gums may recede and the supporting bone will resorb and teeth become loose if these deposits are not removed in time. Professional cleaning arrests further destruction of supporting bone. Removal of deposits only helps to recover the health of supporting structures but in advanced cases as soon as the calculus is removed the patients may experience an increase in the mobility of teeth. This mobility is transient and will reduce as the healing progresses.

Myth: Using finger & powder is better to clean than with toothbrush & tooth paste.

Truth: The use of a tooth brush with bristles to clean plaque and food particles from almost all the surfaces of the teeth. The finger may not reach all the areas especially the interdental areas like brush does. Hence, it is recommended to use a soft toothbrush with a fluoridated paste to clean the teeth. Finger maybe used to massage the gums after brushing.

Myth: I must not brush my teeth if my gums bleed.

Truth: Bleeding gums is a sign to see your dentist and get a professional cleaning. However, if you cannot do this as soon as possible, you can brush your teeth with a soft or extra soft toothbrush.

Myth: Once a decayed tooth is restored it needs no further care nor it will get decayed hence
forth.

Truth: The restoration of decayed teeth is done by removing the affected part of the teeth and filling it with ceramic, composite or silver fillings. This does not mean that the rest of the portion of teeth will not get decayed and need no cleaning. The teeth should be taken care after restorations also to stop new decays elsewhere.

Myth: Dental procedures are always painful.

Truth: Most dental procedures could be carried out without pain. In addition the modern day high-speed machines and improved technology cause less vibration and are more comfortable for the patients.

Myth: Dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy.

Truth: Many a times dental treatment could be provided even during late pregnancy. Routine dental procedures can be carried out without any fear. However, major surgical procedure may require medical opinion before treatment. Dental X-rays maybe avoided during pregnancy.

Myth: There is no need in taking care about the teeth of my baby because in some years they are going to fall out.

Truth: This is absolutely wrong from a variety of perspectives. First of all, if you do not take care about premature teeth, they may fall out before the time and cause problems with bite or improper development of your child’s permanent teeth. Besides, it is necessary to start educating your children to maintain good dental and oral hygiene since early childhood.

Myth: Milk teeth needs to be shaken by hand then only it will fall off

Truth:  When the permanent teeth come the milk teeth will start becoming mobile because the permanent teeth eat through the roots of the milk teeth. If the permanent teeth is misplaced then the milk teeth may have to be extracted by a dentist as it may not fall off

Myth: It is better to remove wisdom teeth because they usually cause problems.

Truth: Do not extract your wisdom teeth until you have started having real problems with them.

Myth: Eating a lot of chocolate brings to tooth decay.

Truth: No, it does not, but if you do not brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth every time after eating chocolate, you are at much higher risk to get tooth decay.

Myth: Dental problems go away without any visiting the dentist

Truth: This is simply not the case. If you experience a problem with your oral health, leaving it alone and taking pain killers will not help. You should visit your dentist and get to the bottom of the problem. Leaving it alone will mean that it only gets worse, and you may be forced to undergo much more lengthy, painful and expensive treatment than you would have if you had seen your dentist straight away.

Myth: Dental treatments causes head aches and problems to the eye.

Truth: This is myth which is told and has no scientific data at all. The dental treatments if
done properly cannot cause any problems to the eye or head.

Myth: Orthodontic treatments can be done only in childhood.

Truth: Orthodontic treatment can be done at age if the teeth are in good condition. Even if  multiple problems are present there are different options to correct them effectively. So don’t follow myths rather follw good dental hygiene and visit a dentist regularly biannually and keep smiling

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