Four common myths about going to the dentist

Are you scared of visiting your dentist in Hastings because you’ve read some false horror stories online? Did you miss your last dental check-up with your dentist in Hastings because your teeth looked and felt fine? Did you switch from normal coke to diet-coke because you thought it was better for your teeth? We are all guilty of believing myths and thinking we know better than the experts, but when it comes to the health of your teeth, following the advice of a professional is absolutely critical. There are many treacherous myths floating around the topic of dentistry, but we are here to set the facts straight, once and for all. And maybe then, booking for your routine check with a dentist in Hastings won't be so scary.

Oral health doesn’t affect the rest of your body - false

Believe it or not, this isn’t true. Your body is a complex circuit and each and every part is connected - including your teeth. For example, advanced gum disease is also known as periodontal disease which is a build-up of dangerous bacteria that can seep into the bloodstream. Similarly, periodontal disease has also been connected to many severe illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and many more.

You only need to visit the dentist if your teeth look or feel bad - false

Like many illnesses or ailments, some oral diseases can be silent. Your teeth may look and feel healthy, but your bright smile could be hiding a few cracks that will only get bigger if left untreated. You don't need to be in pain to visit your dentist, in fact, annual check-ups are highly recommended for everyone, because an expert will be able to detect the early signs of various illnesses, such as gum disease.

Diet/ sugar-free drinks are safe for your teeth - false

Everyone knows that sugar is dangerous for your teeth, but unbeknown to most, so are diet/sugar-free drinks. In replacement of sugar, many diet drinks contain something with a very high pH level which slowly eats away at the enamel on your teeth. This can lead to several problems, the most common being teeth sensitivity. Diet drinks might be good for your waistline, but they certainly aren’t for your teeth.

Flossing causes gaps between your teeth - false

Flossing is quite an odd sensation and many people believe that it can damage the teeth by creating space between them. Of course, that isn’t true. In fact, flossing is extremely important in your fight against tooth decay. There are some places you cannot reach with brushing alone and the most common is the small space between your teeth. If neglected, food and harmful bacteria can build up in these gaps, which can lead to things like gum disease and decay. Flossing won’t cause gaps, but losing your teeth will.

Whether you’re guilty of believing one or all these myths, there’s no need to worry, because our team at Warrior Square Dental is here to give you real advice and guidance, if and when you need it. If you would like to book in for a routine check-up to ensure everything is in order, give us a call on 01424423033 and we would be happy to arrange your appointment.