Updated: 2/25/2020
For most families, maintaining good oral health is almost an automatic part of daily life. However, according to a recent Medical News Today article, you may unknowingly believe a number of misconceptions about dentistry. Read on for more info, and how a dental savings plan can help.
Myth 1: Cavities are The Consequences of Poor Oral Health
What you eat and how you care for your teeth can affect many aspects of your life and, in some cases, the lives of others. It’s no secret that poor nutrition, especially eating sticky and sugary foods, leads to tooth decay. But did you know that if you are a mother-to-be, your bad oral health habits can affect your baby?
If you don’t eat right during your pregnancy, your child could be more prone to tooth decay. That is why it’s especially important to eat foods rich in calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, protein and nutritious calories, especially during your first and second trimesters. In children, tooth decay is an increasingly common problem, occurring in five times as many children as asthma does. A kindergartner with a toothache will find it difficult to concentrate in school. In addition, she will be more likely to gravitate toward softer, easier-to-eat foods such as starches and sugary pastries instead of more nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables. In the end, in a tragic downward spiral, these choices will lead to more tooth decay.
Myth 2: More Sugar Always Means More Cavities
Our mothers always warned us that sweet snacks like candy would lead to tooth decay. While they were right, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Tooth decay occurs not just because you may have eaten a chocolate bar; it happens when sugars remain in contact with the teeth over time. Therefore, hard candy and sodas sipped throughout the day are actually more harmful than that candy bar that melts quickly away, particularly if you rinse out your mouth immediately after eating the chocolate.
Myth 3: Decay in Baby Teeth is not a Problem
Many parents mistakenly believe that true pediatric dental care doesn’t really begin until after the permanent teeth appear. They think that there will be no lasting damage from a decayed baby tooth, since it will soon fall out. In reality, decay in primary teeth can lead to damage in the permanent teeth that are developing underneath them. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the incoming permanent tooth may not be positioned properly, necessitating later visits to an orthodontist.
Myth 4: Osteoporosis Has Nothing To Do With Oral Health
As we get older, our bones are often not as strong as they once were. In a serious condition called osteoporosis, bones throughout the body become weakened, more porous and less dense. While most people associate osteoporosis with the spine and hips, it also can affect the bones in the face that hold your teeth in place. Maintaining a diet rich in calcium is thought to be helpful in reducing the likelihood and severity of osteoporosis. If you eat right, your whole body will be energized.
Myth 5: Dentures Lead to a Better Diet
In fact, just the opposite is often the case. This is because many dentures are not fitted properly. As a result, patients are uncomfortable and eating becomes a chore, particularly when it comes to ingesting firm and crunchy foods like fruits and vegetables. If your dentures hurt, ask your dentist if they can be re-fitted to your mouth. In the meantime, you can still maintain a healthy diet without being in agony. Eat fresh, cooked vegetables, ground meats, and smoothies made with fruits and veggies to ensure that you get the proper nutrition you need.
Myth 6: Only Young People Need to Worry About Tooth Decay
As we age, our gums tend to recede. Unfortunately, that can result in tooth decay at the roots of your teeth. Treatments often undergone by older people – including sedatives, antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics – can lead to dryness in the mouth and a reduction in the mouth’s ability to cleanse itself. Drinking water frequently can go a long way toward stopping this type of tooth decay. Since uncontrolled diabetes can also lead to gum disease and tooth decay, keeping blood sugar levels at a normal and stable level can minimize tooth decay in older people.
Myth 7: Dental Coverage is not Affordable
Tragically, many people avoid visiting the dentist because their finances are tight and they don’t believe they can afford coverage. As a result, they don’t receive the twice-yearly maintenance visits they need to optimize their oral health. In reality, coverage doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Discount dental plans such as the Careington 500 Series plan work because large groups of dentists join together to provide high-quality oral care at manageable costs. Affordable coverage isn’t just for the wealthy or the fortunate. With a discount dental plan, you can have control over your and your family’s oral well-being.
