In every area of life, it’s important to get the facts — otherwise, you could make decisions based on wrong information, leading to unnecessary consequences. So you do your best to get the facts before you make a big decision. But there are times when the “facts” we have are based on misinformation. Let’s briefly cover three myths that often confuse people about dentistry, leading to unnecessary anxiety.
My Teeth Don’t Hurt, So I Don’t Need a Dentist
If you believe this myth, by the time your teeth begin hurting, it’s likely that severe damage has already happened. Dental problems are not like a cut or sprain, where you feel the effects immediately. It’s more like a severe illness, where you might not feel any effects until it reaches an advanced stage. Decay or infection in your teeth, their roots, your gums, or your jaw can creep up on you without notice. Once the decay breaches your tooth enamel and digs into the nerves deep within your teeth, that’s when you feel it — and by then, serious damage is done. That’s why it’s important to let the experts at the Placerville Dental Group take a look at your teeth regularly, so they can take notice of issues and help you address them before they get worse or even cause any pain at all.
We All Get Dentures Once We’re Old
Granted, we only get two sets of teeth: our “baby” teeth and our permanent ones. If we lose our permanent ones to gum disease, tooth decay or bone loss, dentures provide an artificial replacement. But it’s a myth that getting dentures is inevitable!
Regular dental hygiene and dental checkups help to keep dentures away. Some reports say that among adults 35 to 44 years old, 69% have lost at least 1 permanent tooth. Only 26% of adults from 65 to 74 years old are reported to have lost all their teeth. Yet, many of our patients keep their teeth throughout their life. You can be 80 and over with a full set of healthy teeth, especially with assistance from the Placerville Dental Group.
Plaque Is Not a Big Deal
This myth is dangerous because it’s based on the fact that we all get plaque. Although naturally produced by the bacteria in our mouths, plaque is a big deal. Plaque is a sticky substance that is fortunately easy to remove with a proper oral hygiene routine: brushing twice a day and flossing at least once per day. What makes plaque such a threat is that it protects and contains bacteria that damages tooth enamel, gums, and even bone. If left to stay, plaque calcifies into tartar, a hard substance that promotes gingivitis and periodontitis. The best way to remove tartar is with special oral cleaning tools used by dental professionals, ilke hygienists.
Get the Facts About Dental Health
There might be other myths that cause you to avoid regular visits at the Placerville Dental Group. We humbly encourage you to research the facts. Feel free to give us a call to get them straight from the dentist’s mouth or another qualified staff member. If you prefer, you can list your questions using our online form, and we’d be happy to get back to you with complete answers. You can also schedule a visit
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