6 Popular Dental Myths Debunked

1. If your gums bleed, you shouldn’t brush or floss too close to your gums

Plaque build up is the main reason why gums bleed. Your gum cuffs your teeth much like a shirt collar,  regular flossing and brushing closely around this gum cuff is essential to remove the plaque from these areas. It is only by doing this that you can expect to have healthy gums that don’t bleed. Therefore, the opposite is true! Please don’t be put off by the bleeding, in fact, it’s a sign that area is inflamed and could benefit from some additional attention. Go carefully and brush & floss consistently for a week and it should start to resolve. If it doesn’t pop in for a routine exam with one of the Holland Park Dental Team.

2. Removing your wisdom teeth will prevent crowding of your teeth.

Oh how we wish this were true! In most cases, wisdom teeth do not cause any crowding therefore, removing them does not influence anything with regards to tooth positioning in the mouth. There are other reasons why wisdom teeth may be removed but simply having them removed in the hope that your teeth will be straighter – that , sadly, is not going to work.

3. Children do not need to go to the dentist until they have their adult teeth.

We recommend that children visit the dentist from the age of 6 months to ensure good dental health habits can be promoted from early on and they get used to us and the dental surgery.  Many dental problems, like decay, can occur in baby teeth just like in adult teeth. If problems with baby teeth are not treated, this can cause permanent damage to the adult teeth. Therefore, all children should start visiting the dentist early.

4. Teeth Whitening is harmful, it can damage your teeth and gums.

Teeth whitening by a professional dentist will not cause any damage to your teeth or your gums. It is an affordable, quick and safe way to brighten the shade of your enamel. It is normal to experience temporary sensitivity and soreness around the gums whilst whitening your teeth, but this is mild and resolves immediately.

5.Your teeth can become loose and decayed during pregnancy.

This is only true if you stop brushing your teeth for the full 9 months of pregnancy and also stop going to the dentist. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause your gums to bleed more however, with good dental hygiene there is no reason why any of your dental tissues should become decayed or permanently affected.