Facts,Myths & FAQs
Facts About Oral Healthcare
- Many people still use a neem twig to brush their teeth in India because of its bactericidal property.
- Earlier decayed teeth were called Rich Man’s disease, because only the rich could afford sweet things.
- In the 18th century, people would sell their teeth to the rich who would make false teeth with them.
- Your tongue print is as unique as your fingerprint.
- Children smile about 400 times a day.
- Women smile around 62 times while men around 8 times a day.
- Right-handed people tend to chew food on their right side and vice versa.
- Newborn babies have no decay-producing bacteria. They are transmitted from the mother’s mouth to the infant.
- Not replacing a toothbrush after a bout of cold, sore throat, or infections can lead to reinfection.
- A minimum of 6 feet distance should be maintained between your toilet and the area where you store your toothbrush. The airborne particles from the toilet after flushing can travel a distance of 6 feet.
- Vigorously brushing your teeth leads to erosion of teeth, gum recession, and sensitivity. Hence it does more harm than good.
- In between meals, snacking of foods is the main cause of tooth decay. Foods such as apples, raw carrots, and hard cheese have a natural cleansing action, making them ideal snacks.
- Acid production from dental plaque occurs within 20 minutes after eating, causing tooth decay. Rinsing the mouth with water after eating is recommended as it also helps dislodge food particles.
- Any sore or discolored area within the mouth that does not heal within 14 days should be examined by a dental professional.
- Change your toothbrush every 3 months.
- The severity of gum disease increases amongst people with uncontrolled diabetes.
Myths in Dentistry
- Myth – Removal of upper teeth affects vision.
Fact – Vision is not affected in any way by undertaking treatment of the upper teeth including its extraction. - Myth – One set of dentures will last a lifetime.
Fact – Tissues beneath the dentures change over a period of time. Hence dentures need to be modified accordingly and cannot be assumed to last a lifetime without adjustments. - Myth – Scaling/removal of tartar loosens the teeth.
Fact – Teeth are held in position by the bone. Tartar sometimes binds teeth together but also causes gum inflammation. Removing it may cause slight mobility, but it is necessary for gum and bone recovery. - Myth – Dental procedures are always painful.
Fact – Most dental procedures are now done under local anesthesia and are painless. - Myth – Dental treatment cannot be done during pregnancy.
Fact – Dental treatment is safe in the second trimester (4–6 months). During the first or last trimester, only emergency procedures are recommended. - Myth – Cleaning teeth with a finger is better than a toothbrush.
Fact – Toothbrushes effectively remove plaque and calculus from all teeth surfaces, far better than using a finger. - Myth – An infant doesn’t need cleaning of teeth.
Fact – As soon as teeth erupt, they require regular cleaning to prevent decay. - Myth – Milk teeth decay need not be treated as they will fall off anyway.
Fact – Decayed milk teeth can cause pain, chewing difficulties, and lead to misalignment of permanent teeth. They should always be treated. - Myth – When gums bleed, it’s better not to brush.
Fact – Bleeding gums indicate inflammation due to plaque and tartar. Proper cleaning and gentle brushing are required, not stopping oral care. - Myth – Toothache can be relieved by placing aspirin inside the tooth.
Fact – Aspirin can burn oral tissues and doesn’t relieve toothache if placed inside the tooth. The cause should be treated professionally. - Myth – Root canal treatment is very painful.
Fact – With modern anesthesia, root canals are now almost painless. - Myth – Root canal treatments require many visits.
Fact – With new techniques, single-sitting root canal treatments are often possible. - Myth – Root canal treated teeth do not require crowns.
Fact – After treatment, teeth may become brittle, so crowns are recommended for strength and to protect fillings. - Myth – Even after a root canal, the tooth will eventually come out.
Fact – With proper treatment and oral hygiene, root canal–treated teeth can last a lifetime. - Myth – If the tooth isn’t painful, there’s no need for a root canal.
Fact – Even without pain, infected pulp requires a root canal to prevent further damage. - Myth – Chewing sugarless gum with xylitol after meals can replace brushing.
Fact – Chewing gum can help, but it cannot substitute mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush. - Myth – A white tooth is always healthy.
Fact – A tooth can look white and still have cavities, root issues, or other hidden problems requiring dental care.
FAQs
Q. How often should you visit a dentist?
A. Ideally you should go to a dentist for a checkup every six months. However, people at higher risk of dental disease, like smokers and those with uncontrolled diabetes, should visit more often.
Q. When should we change our toothbrush?
A. We should ideally change our toothbrush every 3 months.
Q. Which type of toothbrush should I use?
A. The brand of the toothbrush is not as important as the bristle type and head size. A soft brush with a small head is recommended. Medium and hard brushes can irritate gums, while a small head helps clean better without injury. Brush twice daily and visit your dentist twice a year.
Q. Is one toothpaste better than others?
A. Generally, no. A fluoride-containing toothpaste is recommended to help prevent decay. Choose one that tastes good to you as long as it has fluoride.
Q. How often should I floss?
A. Floss once per day to clean areas a toothbrush can’t reach. This helps prevent cavities and keeps gums healthy.
Q. Do teeth whitening toothpastes really work?
A. Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives and chemicals that help remove surface stains but do not bleach teeth. They are good for smokers, coffee/tea drinkers, or maintaining whiteness after professional whitening. Ensure it contains fluoride for cavity protection.
Q. Is professional teeth whitening safe?
A. Yes. Professional whitening with peroxide-based systems is safe when done by a dentist. Temporary sensitivity may occur but can be managed.
Q. How do I get rid of bad breath?
A. It often comes from poor oral hygiene. A dentist can detect issues and guide you on brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning. If not dental-related, it may be due to sinus, stomach, or other health issues — in which case, see a physician.
Q. My gums are bleeding! Why is this? How can I fix it?
A. Bleeding gums are usually due to gum disease, which your dentist can treat. It can also be a sign of other health problems, so see your dentist promptly.
Q. How does my diet during pregnancy affect my baby’s teeth?
A. Your diet directly impacts your baby’s developing teeth, especially in the second trimester. Ensure proper intake of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D. Consult your doctor and dentist for tailored advice.
Q. How do I maintain my child’s teeth?
A. Clean teeth as soon as they erupt with gauze or a damp cloth. Use a small, soft toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. First dental visit: 6–12 months after birth. Fluoride treatments and sealants help protect against decay.
Q. What can be done about the gap between two front upper teeth?
A. Gaps can be closed using composite fillings, crowns, laminates, or orthodontic braces, depending on the gap size.
Q. What do I do to stop grinding my teeth?
A. Night grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, and tooth damage. A dentist can fit you with a night guard. Since grinding is often stress-related, stress reduction therapies may also help.