Myth: Extraction of a tooth can lead to loss of vision!
Fact: There is no relation between extraction of a tooth and loss of vision. If this were true, patients who have had all their teeth removed should be totally blind.
Myth: Cleaning of teeth by the dentist leads to loss of enamel leading to sensitivity of teeth in the future!
Fact: Cleaning of teeth by the dentist is done using a very blunt instrument, which vibrates at a high speed to loosen only the dirt which has collected around the tooth. This instrument in no way scratches the enamel. Yes, the teeth may become a little loose and sensitive immediately after cleaning but this may be temporary and usually becomes normal in a week’s time.
Myth: must not brush my teeth if my gums bleed.
Fact: Bleeding gums is a sign to see your dentist. However, if you cannot do this as soon as possible, you can brush your teeth with a soft or extra soft toothbrush.
Myth: cleaning of teeth leads to loosening of teeth
Fact: cleaning of teeth helps us to eliminate infection and is good for stability of teeth. After cleaning patient may feel the space between the teeth and some loosening as the tartar occupies the natural space between the teeth and our tongue is used to this tartar. Once it is removed by the dentist, our sensitive tongue immediately feels the gap
Myth: An extracted tooth need not be artificially replaced!
Fact: A tooth however badly decayed should be tried to be saved. However, if it has to be removed, it must be replaced as soon as possible.
If the tooth is not replaced, then gradually the teeth adjacent to the gap will start tilting towards this gap leading to food collection. Opposite tooth also grows down causing similar problems in the opposite arch teeth too. Therefore, a lost tooth must be replaced within maximum of 6 months not only for the aesthetic purposes but for stability of adjacent and opposing teeth and gums.
Myth: Braces for correcting malpositioned teeth can be put for children only!
Fact: Although the ideal age for putting braces to correct tooth positions is between 11 to14 years, people of all ages up to 45 years can gain much by using braces. Adult treatment can take slightly longer time and may not be ideally finished but certainly the gross problem can be corrected.
Myth: Whatever we do or how much we care, loss of teeth after a certain age is inevitable!
Fact: Proper oral hygiene and regular check up with your dentist can enable you to retain teeth throughout life.
Myth: Dental care and related problems are hereditary and so no amount of care and treatment can help one whose parents have bad teeth to retain a good dentition!
Fact: Inheritance plays a very less role in dental health. For good dental health it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and regularly visit the dentist.
Myth: Dental treatment is extremely painful!
Fact: Not anymore because of the advent of extremely effective local anesthetic and better technology.
Myth: Teeth cannot be saved once they start paining!
Fact: Teeth can be saved by a process called Root Canal Treatment (R.C.T.). In R.C.T., the infected pulp is removed and filled with inert material. So this way the tooth is dead but can be used normally and need not be extracted.
Myth: There is no need for cap/crown over tooth after Root Canal Treatment (R.C.T.)!
Fact: Following R.C.T., the tooth becomes brittle and is more susceptible to fracture due to uneven forces. Therefore, it generally needs protection with crown/cap.
Myth: As long as my teeth seem okay, and I’m not experiencing any problems, I don’t need to visit the dentist.
Fact: Regular checkups at the dentist are extremely important. You may think that your teeth are fine, but a visit to the dentist to make sure is always advisable. If you do find that you need treatment, it is much easier, less painful to treat early. Leaving it could result in having much more lengthy procedure.
Myth: As long as my teeth seem okay, and I’m not experiencing any problems, I don’t need to visit the dentist.
Fact: Regular checkups at the dentist are extremely important. You may think that your teeth are fine, but a visit to the dentist to make sure is always advisable. If you do find that you need treatment, it is much easier, less painful to treat early. Leaving it could result in having much more lengthy procedure.
Myth: There is no need in taking care about the teeth of my baby because in some years they are going to fall out.
Fact: This is absolutely wrong from a variety of perspectives. First of all, if you do not take care about premature teeth, they may fall out before the time and cause problems with bite or improper development of your child’s permanent teeth. Besides, it is necessary to start educating your children to maintain good dental and oral hygiene since early childhood.
Myth: It is necessary to avoid dental procedures during pregnancy.
Fact: Regular dental treatment must not be avoided by pregnant women, but there are a number of procedures, such as X-rays or surgical dental procedures, which must be postponed for pregnant women.
Generally second trimester is the ideal period for the dental procedures during pregnancy.
Females planning for child must undergo dental check-up in order to prevent future problems during pregnancy. Also preterm and low birth weight babies have been linked with poor oral hygiene.