It’s common knowledge that brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist twice a year are good ways to take care of your teeth. But many aspects of dental care are misunderstood, which prompted a faculty member at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to share the truth about six common dental myths:
Myth 1: Poor oral health only matters to your mouth
Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. Decaying teeth can be painful, which can affect a child’s concentration in school. Mouth pain can make poor nutrition more likely as the child eats foods that are easy to chew which are often lower in nutrients. Long-term problems associated with tooth decay can include thinking and growth problems as well as obesity.
Problems with oral health can begin before a child is even born. During pregnancy, what mom eats can affect how the teeth develop in her baby. Lack of calcium, vitamins D and A, and protein can result in oral defects in the unborn child. Lack of vitamin B6 or B12 may also be a risk factor for cleft lip or cleft palate.
Myth 2: Large amounts of sugar cause tooth decay
The problem with sugar and cavities isn’t the amount of sugar. It’s the length of time the sugar stays in the mouth. Soft drinks and hard candies that dissolve slowly in the mouth are in contact with teeth for longer periods of time, which increases the risk of cavities. Teens who drink a lot of soda are at higher risk of tooth decay. Diet or sugar-free drinks as well as liquids with higher acid content such as lemonade have a lower risk of tooth decay, but may also contribute to the loss of tooth enamel.
Myth 3: It’s okay for baby teeth to decay
Some parents are not worried about their child’s baby teeth decaying since those teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth. Unfortunately, the same sugary juices and other foods and drinks that cause tooth decay in baby teeth can also cause problems for permanent teeth. The crowns are the flat surfaces of the larger teeth or molars. As the permanent teeth develop directly under the baby teeth, the crowns of the permanent teeth can be damaged as the baby teeth decay. In addition, the baby teeth act as place-holders for the larger permanent teeth. If the baby teeth decay and fall out too soon, the permanent teeth may lose their spaces and come in crooked, requiring braces at a later date.
Myth 4: Osteoporosis only affects the bones
Osteoporosis is a condition that results in weak, brittle bones. Some people believe osteoporosis only affects the bones in the spine and hips. In actuality, any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, including the bones in the jaw that hold the teeth in place. Vitamins D and K and calcium are important for the health of the bones in the jaw.
Myth 5: Denture wearers eat better
It may seem that getting dentures or “false teeth” will improve the diet of people with poor teeth. But dentures that don’t fit well can cause mouth pain and problems chewing that lead to poor food choices that can result in poor nutrition. Dentures should fit correctly to allow wearers to chew. Significant weight gain or loss should trigger a visit to the dentist to have dentures adjusted.
Myth 6: Tooth decay is only a problem for young people
While young people seem more likely to get cavities, there are many oral conditions that can affect adults and seniors. As we age, our gums can pull back from our teeth, resulting in root decay along the base of the teeth. In addition, some common medications including antihistamines, sedatives, antidepressants, and diuretics can reduce the production of saliva leaving the mouth too dry which can lead to oral problems. Saliva works in the mouth to remove bacteria and clean the teeth. Drinking extra water can help ease this problem by rinsing the mouth clean.
Good oral hygiene is important at all stages of life. Brushing, flossing, and annual dental check-ups can limit tooth decay resulting in a reduced risk of a variety of other health concerns.
Source:
Science Daily