8 Things Dentists Wish Their Patients Knew

There are a lot of dental misconceptions out there, but we’re here to help you stay on top of your oral health game! Read on for a rundown on some common areas of confusion. Trust us - your dentist will be impressed by your knowledge!

1) Bacteria don’t sleep.

Ever wonder why you’re supposed to brush your teeth first thing in the morning when you’ve just done it the night before? Although you may think you've removed the bacteria buildup of that day, there's actually a good chance you missed some - and that more collected on your teeth overnight. The amount of saliva generated decreases while you're sleeping, giving bacteria a perfect opportunity to spread and feast on your enamel. This happens quickly, so make sure to bring it to a halt right away when you wake up!

2) You can’t out-brush a bad diet. 

Just as you can't out-exercise a bad diet, you unfortunately can't brush your way out of poor food choices either. Brushing and flossing are crucial, of course, but the foods/drinks our teeth encounter in the first place really do make a difference. You may not notice the consequences right away, but consistent consumption of things like soda will eventually catch up with you. Almost immediately after you take a sip, those pesky bacteria are at work, so it’s best not to give them any fuel at all and avoid sugary, acidic beverages. The same goes for sticky candies, refined starches, and juice.

3) Your hygiene routine should include your tongue.

While we’re on the subject of brushing, it’s important to remember that your tongue harbors just as much bacteria as your teeth do. The film that sits on the surface can’t be broken without a good scrub. Those bacteria will be all too eager to jump back onto your freshly cleaned teeth and gums, so you need to brush it. Just because your tongue can't get a cavity doesn't mean it can't be the cause of one! 

4) Your gums should not bleed - period. 

You already knew this one was coming, but the risk of sounding like a broken record is worth it - that’s how critical it is to floss your teeth! Brushing alone only gets about 60% of the work done that is needed to effectively clean your mouth. If you see even a bit of blood, that is not normal. Bleeding gums is one of the first symptoms of gingivitis. The best action you can take is to start flossing consistently and focus on ridding your gums of the bacteria that could be causing infection. 

5) A dry mouth is a breeding ground for cavities. 

Saliva plays a key role in oral health, so dry mouth is actually quite serious. It can be a side effect of certain conditions like diabetes, or a result of alcohol and tobacco use. Medications can also cause dry mouth, and some unlucky people just have genetics to thank. Long story short, we need saliva in order to prevent tooth decay. It helps offset the effects of acid, flush out food particles, and banish bad bacteria. 

6) X-rays are completely safe. 

There is still a bit of uncertainty surrounding dental x-rays, but we can assure you there is nothing to worry about. The amount of radiation coming from our machines is no more than what you get from sun exposure on a typical day. Plus, we’ve got you covered with lead vests to block out any stray rays.

7) Tobacco, liquor, and (gasp!) coffee are bad news. 

Like we mentioned, tobacco and alcohol are notorious for drying out the mouth, which perpetuates cavity development. These substances also heighten the risk of oral cancer, among many other issues. As for your morning coffee, stubborn stains are the visible price to pay, but the acid content can eat away at enamel to make matters worse.

8) Your vital organs are closely connected to your teeth and gums. 

The link between gum disease and heart disease has been recognized by both the American Dental Association and the American Heart Association. This is not surprising considering the direct impact oral health has on overall health. If you constantly have swollen, irritated gums, blood vessels may tighten as your heart works overtime to fight off infection. And the heart disease connection is only one example of how our mouths affect the rest of our bodies - yet another reason to keep up with all your preventative dental hygiene measures!
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