Debunking the Most Popular Dental Myths: What You Can Do to Take Care of your Smile
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Your oral health can significantly impact your overall health. That's why it's important that you learn how to distinguish between the real dangers to your smile and myths or beliefs that have persisted over time, but have no scientific basis.
Myth: Flossing helps cure gum disease.
Explanation: Dental floss is a fundamental item for oral hygiene, as it helps to remove food particles and debris that get trapped up on the teeth and gums. However, it is not a "magic" tool that can cure diseases.
This is because it does not reach the areas where gum infections occur; it only reaches a depth of 2 mm, while infections develop at 4 mm.
Myth: Bad breath is caused solely by the teeth.
Explanation: While it is true that bad breath is caused by the decomposition of food that remains between the teeth, it is not the only cause. Other factors may include:
- Dry mouth: a lack of saliva can allow bacteria to build up in the mouth, causing bad breath;
- Consuming certain foods: such as garlic, onions, or dairy products, among others;
- Maintaining certain habits: such as smoking and chewing tobacco, or drinking alcohol in excess;
- Having certain medical conditions: such as gastroesophageal reflux, gingivitis (gum disease), sinusitis, throat infection, kidney failure, liver problems or diabetes, among others.
Myth: It's normal to lose teeth as you get older.
Explanation: While it is true that tooth loss is more common among older people, it is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Various factors can cause tooth loss, such as periodontal disease, trauma, or even genetic factors.
To prevent this, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet, good oral hygiene, and, if a problem is detected, seek early treatment.
Myth: Yellow teeth are weaker than white teeth.
Explanation: Appearances can often be deceiving, and this is one of those cases. Having yellow teeth does not mean that they are weaker or more prone to disease.
On the contrary, some experts warn that excessive use of whitening products without medical supervision can remove the enamel layer that protects the teeth, creating an environment conducive to disease and infection.
Myth: Eating small amounts of sugary foods does not damage your teeth.
Explanation: Although the amount of sugar influences the damage that can be caused to teeth, how often sugar is consumed is a key factor.
Why? Because every time we consume sugar, the bacteria in our mouths feed on it and produce acids that attack tooth enamel, weakening it and creating small holes that can develop into cavities.
Myth: Drinks and tobacco alone are responsible for discolored teeth.
Explanation: Certain beverages, such as coffee, tea, or wine, as well as tobacco, are major culprits in tooth discoloration. However, there are other causes that can darken the enamel of our teeth:
- Foods: such as tomato sauces, berries, or beets
- Medications: such as antibiotics or those used in treating cancer
- Age: because over time the enamel wears down
- Trauma
- Genetics
Myth: Pregnant women have more dental problems because the baby draws calcium from their teeth.
Explanation: This is a very common myth, but it has no scientific basis. The calcium that a baby needs during pregnancy comes mainly from the mother's diet and her bones, but not from her teeth.
It is true that during pregnancy, women may experience an increased risk of gingivitis and tooth sensitivity due to hormonal changes, as well as an increased risk of cavities caused by frequent vomiting, which weakens tooth enamel. Although all of this can be prevented with regular visits to the dentist, good oral hygiene, a healthy and balanced diet and by avoiding sugary foods or drinks.
Myth: Children who suck their thumbs do not damage their teeth.
Explanation: Thumb‑sucking is often a form of self‑soothing and a very common habit among babies and young children. However, if it persists over time, it can have negative consequences for dental health, leading to:
- Bite abnormalities: open bite, protrusion of the teeth (tilted forward) or crossbite;
- Problems with the development of the jawbones; Pronunciation problems.
Experts say it's advisable to try to break children of this habit by the age of 3 or 4, before their permanent teeth begin to come in. To help stop thumb‑sucking, it is essential to:
- Have patience and understanding;
- Give positive reinforcement;
- Create alternative habits for calming down;
- Consult a professional.
This article was produced by Tomás Vicente, a journalist specializing in Health.
Sources consulted: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy for Oral & Systemic Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic.