Dental care isn't just about treating teeth; it's an important part of overall healthcare. However, many myths still surround this field of medicine, which can prevent people from properly caring for their oral health. Some of these misconceptions are passed down from generation to generation, while others are based on misinformation on the internet. In this article, we have gathered six common dental care myths that should be debunked.

1. You should brush your teeth as often as possible

One of the most common myths is that the more often you brush your teeth, the healthier they will be. This isn't entirely true. In fact, excessive brushing, especially with hard bristles and harsh toothpaste, can damage your enamel and gums. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. This is enough to remove plaque and prevent the development of cavities and gum disease. If you feel the need to brush your teeth after lunch, use a soft brush or mouthwash to avoid putting too much pressure on the enamel.

2. If a tooth doesn't hurt, it's healthy

This is one of the most dangerous myths. Many dental problems can actually be asymptomatic in the early stages. Tooth decay, pulpitis, gum disease, and even a cyst on the root of a tooth can develop painlessly until they reach a more serious stage. This is why regular dental checkups are so important. By detecting the problem early, you can not only avoid future pain but also significantly reduce treatment costs.

3. Tooth extraction is always painful and frightening

Many people are still afraid of the dentist because they think that the anesthesia doesn't work and the treatment is painful. However, every extraction is performed under high-quality anesthesia, and the procedure itself takes only a few minutes. In some cases, laser extraction is even possible, making the procedure almost bloodless and minimally traumatic. The most important thing is to avoid letting the situation get out of control so the tooth doesn't get to a point where it can no longer be saved.

4. Baby teeth don't require treatment since they will fall out anyway

This misconception can have extremely negative consequences for a child's health. Indeed, baby teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, but their premature destruction can lead to a number of issues like malocclusion, problems with speech, difficulty chewing food, and even infections that can affect the rudiments of permanent teeth. In addition, negative childhood experiences can cause a child to develop a persistent fear of the dentist. Treating baby teeth is an important part of pediatric dentistry and shouldn't be neglected.

5. The whiteness of teeth is an indicator of their health

Another widespread myth. While white teeth look aesthetically pleasing, they don't necessarily mean they're completely healthy. A tooth may be white on the outside but have deep cavities or cracks on the inside. Moreover, the natural color of tooth enamel varies from person to person and can range from milky white to light yellow. This depends on the density and structure of the enamel, as well as genetics. The use of whitening pastes and procedures should be moderate and only recommended by a dentist, as they can otherwise lead to enamel damage and tooth sensitivity.

6. If there are no symptoms, a visit to the dentist is unnecessary

Many people postpone a visit to the dentist until they experience pain or discomfort. Unfortunately, this strategy often leads to more complex and expensive treatments. Prevention is always easier and cheaper than treatment. During a routine checkup, your dentist can detect early signs of cavities, tartar accumulation, the first signs of gingivitis, or other problems that haven't yet manifested with pain. In addition, professional dental cleaning at the dentist helps remove tartar and prevent the development of periodontal disease.