Dental Myths Busted by Dental Implants Specialists in Arizona, PART 2

This four-part article series sets about explaining and dispelling the many common myths and misconceptions surrounding oral health and hygiene and certain dental procedures.

Welcome back to our four-part article series in which we get dental implants specialists in Arizona to explain and bust the various myths and misconceptions surrounding oral health, hygiene and dental treatment. In our previous article post it was explained that placing a tablet of aspirin next to a tooth to relieve pain doesn’t work at all and, in fact, can actually cause acid burn to the soft tissues and tooth crown. It was also explained that bleeding gums are typically a result of infection, which, in turn, is caused by poor oral hygiene. For this reason, avoiding brushing and flossing only compounds the issue. In both cases of persistent toothache and bleeding gums, patients are urged to seek the advice of their dentist. Let’s continue looking at some more myths, shall we?

Myth # 3: Sugar causes cavities

The Facts: Before you get excited and resume your five-a-day soda habit, please note the following important distinction: sugar itself doesn’t cause cavities. Bacteria do. But, bacteria love sugar and the more you eat, the more favorable an environment for bacterial growth your mouth becomes.

“People who have a diet high in sugar tend to present with more cavities and tooth decay because it provides excellent fuel for bacterial growth,” explain dental implants specialists in Arizona. “These micro-organisms feed on the sugars left behind in your mouth after a meal and in turn produce wastes that are quite acidic. These wastes sit on your teeth and eat into the dental enamel, forming tiny holes, which widen with time to form cavities. Left untreated, cavities can provide bacteria with safe refuge from the roving bristles of your toothbrush and allow decay to progress to a point where it infiltrates the pulp chamber of the tooth. At this juncture, root canal therapy may be necessary or even tooth extraction.”

The Solution: Too much sugar is bad for you anyway, so try to limit your intake. If you do enjoy a sugary snack, treat or beverage, make sure you brush your teeth afterwards, or at the very least wash your mouth out with water. Chewing sugar-free gum is also great for your teeth.

Myth # 4: Osteoporosis only affects major bones in the body, such as your hips and spine. It doesn’t affect your teeth.

The Facts: “Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the density of the bones, causing them to become brittle and fragile over time,” explain cosmetic dentistry specialists in Arizona. “It does not discriminate between the various bones in the body, so your jawbone is at just as much risk of becoming compromised if you suffer from this disease.”

The Solution: What this means for your teeth isn’t good news. Osteoporosis can cause tooth loss, so it’s vitally important that you follow the diet prescribed to you by your treating physician. The right nutrition may help you maintain proper bone support and prevent terrible problems like tooth loss.

Stay Tuned...

To read more dental myths and misconceptions join us next week for the third installment of this four-part article series, courtesy of dental implants specialists in Arizona.