There are myths about virtually everything, including the dentist. There are people out there who believe these myths and as a result, avoid going to the dentist altogether. However, these myths are only myths and shouldn’t be taken seriously. Believing them can actually do damage to your oral health if you aren’t careful.
It’s important to acknowledge these myths and debunk them. Debunking them and getting educated on what actually happens at the dentist will help people feel better about their dental visits. So what are these myths? Here are five common myths about dental services that people shouldn’t believe and why they simply aren’t true.
Myth 1: You Don’t Need to Go to the Dentist Twice a Year
There are some people out there who believe that going to the dentist only once a year is good enough. However, that’s simply not true. It’s important that children and adults go to the dentist twice a year. Typically, the appointments are scheduled out every six months.
It’s important to go to the dentist every six months because that’s typically how long cavities take to form. Cavities are holes in your teeth that are signs of tooth decay. It’s estimated that between 60% and 90% of school children and almost 100% of adults have tooth decay, which leads to pain and discomfort. Since tooth decay and cavities are so common, it’s important to get your teeth checked out regularly for early symptoms.
The earlier you catch tooth decay, the better chance you have of treating it properly. If you only go to the dentist once a year (or not at all), you risk developing serious tooth decay. If you want to keep your teeth the healthiest they can be, visit the dentist twice a year. If you need more dental work done, visit your dentist as often as they recommend. Remember, your dentist is a professional who is looking out for your oral health. If they recommend visiting more often for dental services, it’s for a good reason.
Myth 2: All Dental Procedures Are Extremely Painful
One of the most common myths about dental services is that all dental procedures hurt a lot. Sure, the mouth is a sensitive area of the body, but not all dental procedures are painful. In fact, there are procedures that don’t hurt at all.
If you go in for a cleaning you may feel some slight discomfort but the procedure shouldn’t be painful. If you are experiencing pain during a cleaning, tell your dentist right away so they can adjust. If you need certain dental procedures done that could be painful, your dentist will find ways to ensure you don’t feel a thing. If you need a root canal, for instance, the dentist may administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth.
If you need oral surgery, the oral surgeon will give you something to either numb your mouth or knock you out during the surgery. They’ll work with you to come up with a plan so you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. The last thing they want is for you to feel what’s going on during oral surgery.
Keep in mind that you may feel some tenderness and soreness in your mouth after a procedure but that it will pass. It’s normal to feel a bit of discomfort after you’ve had surgery on a sensitive part of your body. However, if you’re feeling extreme pain post-op, you should contact your dentist right away.
Myth 3: Kids Don’t Need Regular Dental Checkups
Another big myth in the dental world is that kids don’t need regular dental checkups since they have baby teeth. This is not the case at all. Children should go to the dentist twice per year for a number of reasons. For starters, it establishes good dental habits early on in their lives. Going to the dentist twice a year teaches them that it’s an important habit to maintain.
Also, children can get cavities even if they have baby teeth. If they eat foods that are high in sugar or snacks such as crackers, bacteria can grow on their teeth and form plaque. This plaque can eat away at their enamel and cause cavities. Kids should visit the dentist at least twice a year so the dentist can clean their teeth and look for signs of cavities. The dentist can also identify any underlying oral health issues and get them treated before they turn into serious problems.
One more reason kids need to visit the dentist twice a year is that dentists need to check if their teeth are aligned properly. If they aren’t, your dentist can recommend further dentistry treatments to help get their teeth aligned. The most common way to do this is to have children wear braces.
Myth 4: Oral Health Doesn’t Impact Overall Health
This is a myth that needs to be shattered once and for all. Oral health contributes largely to your overall health, which is why you must keep up with your recommended dental services each year. It’s been shown that people who have poor oral health are at risk for developing heart disease and diabetes, as well as increasing their chances of having a stroke.
One of the biggest reasons to go see a dental specialist is to evaluate your oral health. If something’s wrong with your oral health, it could be a sign that there’s a bigger problem lying underneath the surface. If you do find you have a serious oral health condition, talk to your dentist about whether or not it could lead to other health issues. If you need a second opinion, you can always ask your doctor as well.
Myth 5: Dentists Try to Find Something Wrong with Your Teeth
Some people believe that dentists purposely try to find something wrong when people visit them, but that’s not the truth. If you go to a dentist for dental services, they’re going to do a thorough job at evaluating your oral health and make recommendations based on what they find.
Dentists aren’t out to find something wrong with your oral health. In fact, they hope that your mouth is in good shape. However, if something is wrong they will explain what’s happening and what your next steps should be.
You should never assume that dentists are out to find something wrong with your oral health. They’re trained professionals who take an oath to protect and treat patients with their dental knowledge. To assume that they want something to be wrong is simply a lie. It’s important to acknowledge this because people may actually believe this myth is true but if you thwart it right away people may realize it is only a myth.
There are numerous myths out there surrounding dental services that simply aren’t true. However, they continue to circulate in society. Believing these myths can cause people to not go to the dentist and neglect their oral health. Neglecting your oral health can lead to serious health issues down the line.
If you have questions or concerns about going to the dentist, talk to your dentist about them. They’ll answer any questions you have and help you feel safe and secure about getting your mouth checked out. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be for your visit.
