Common Dental Myths Debunked


Myth 1 - Flossing isn't beneficial

A myth we've come across fairly recently is that flossing doesn't do anything. Wrong! When you brush your teeth, you can clean the front, back and biting surfaces of your teeth, but what about between your teeth? The bristles of your toothbrush are too thick to access the surfaces between your teeth, and that's where flossing comes in. Dental floss cleans bacteria from between teeth, helping maintain good gum health and prevent cavities. You can use any floss you like, manual, floss sticks or even water floss. 

Myth 2 - White teeth are healthy teeth

You can whiten your teeth all you want, but that doesn't mean your teeth or gums are healthy. White teeth may be nicer visually, but what lies beneath is the most crucial part of health. Before using any whitening products, you should ensure your teeth are healthy and cavity-free, and your gums are healthy. 

Myth 3 - Braces are just for when you are young 

Braces are for any age! Whether it be traditional braces, clear aligners or even lingual braces, you deserve the smile of your dreams at any age. There are plenty of advancements in teeth alignment technology, which thus provides you with more options at any age. 

Myth 4 - Your gums bleed at the dentist because we poke them

The saying goes – healthy gums don't bleed. This is incorrect! While we can understand a dental cleaning might not be your favourite thing, the only bleeding that will happen is when gum inflammation is present. Essentially, more inflammation means more bleeding. Try it yourself. If you floss daily between dental cleanings, you'll notice much less bleeding.

Myth 5 - Scraping & polishing at the dentist is bad for your teeth

Did you know that your teeth are the strongest structure in your body, even stronger than your bones? They are adamant and durable, so the scraping from dental tools and the polishing won't cause your teeth to weaken over time. In fact, these procedures will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

Myth 6 - Fluoride is bad for you 

While fluoride is a toxic substance if ingested, it is particularly beneficial for your teeth if applied topically in a controlled environment, such as at your dentist's. Always be sure to spit your toothpaste out, as it contains fluoride, and don't give it to your child before age 3. 

Myth 7 - Fillings and crowns last forever 

While the goal of a dental filling or crown is to last as long as possible, they do not last forever. Teeth are always susceptible to cavities from bacteria, and teeth with fillings or crowns are no exception. Cavities can occur around the margins of restorations. In addition, these types of repairs will break down over time and will not last forever, leading to the need for replacement. 

Contact us to schedule your visit today, we'd be happy to book you in for an appointment.


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Mississauga Dental Arts

(905) 286-1569

Mississauga, ON Dentist
Mississauga Dental Arts
350 Burnhamthorpe Road East #2
Mississauga, ON L5A 3S5
(905) 286-1569