Three oral health myths

Know the facts when it comes to your oral health so that you can maintain a beautiful smile for life.

When it comes to the world of health and wellness, there is so much information available — in fact, you would be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed from time to time. Unfortunately, there are a few misconceptions about dental health — read on to learn about some of the most common myths and what you should know to take better care of your smile…

Myth one: sugar-free soft drinks are safe for my teeth

It’s no secret that sugary beverages can cause some serious damage to the teeth. Sugar contributes to plaque build-up and increases one’s risk of issues like dental erosion and tooth decay. So, if you are looking for ways to improve your oral health, you might avoid sweet soft drinks and choose sugar-free alternatives instead. Unfortunately, the reality is that even sugar-free soft drinks are very acidic. They contain many of the same ingredients as their sugar-packed counterparts and can lead to enamel damage, stains and tooth decay over time. It’s best to avoid these drinks or to enjoy them in moderation only.

Myth two: oral health has no impact on my general health

You might think there is no connection between your oral and general health, but this is simply not the case. Research shows that there is a strong link between the condition of your teeth and gums and your overall wellness. In fact, gum disease can increase your risk of other health problems, such as heart disease. The connection between oral and overall health is largely due to the fact that bacteria from the mouth can spread to other areas of the body in the bloodstream. For this reason, it is very important that you take proper care of your teeth and gums by practising proper oral hygiene habits every day — this includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing once daily. You should also see your dentist every six months for a check-up and clean so that any issues can be identified and resolved early and problems like inflammation can be kept under control.

Myth three: gum disease isn’t a very common issue

If you practise proper oral hygiene every day, you might think you won’t be affected by gum disease. And this might well be the case. Gum disease is best prevented with good dental habits, a balanced diet, regular check-ups, and cleans. But the issue is very common, and one tends to become more and more vulnerable to infections like gingivitis and gum disease with advanced age. It is crucial to stay on track with dental check-ups so that potential issues can be picked up as soon as possible.

It’s not just the elderly who are susceptible to gum disease — pregnant women also often suffer from tender, inflamed and bleeding gums caused by hormonal changes. Known as pregnancy gingivitis, the condition can affect both expecting mom and baby and should not be ignored. Consult with your dentist if you notice any of the symptoms of gum disease while you are pregnant.

How can we help?

At Kitchener Street Dental, we like to keep our patients informed and educated when it comes to oral health and hygiene. If you have a question about the condition of your smile, please don’t hesitate to chat with our friendly team when you come in for your next appointment.

To stay on track with your oral health, we encourage you to come in and see us for regular check-ups and cleans. We offer a comprehensive range of dentistry services and treat patients in all stages of life.

If you would like to find out more about the services that we offer, please have a look here.

If you would like to come in and see us, book an appointment here or give us a call at 07 4638 5111.