Myths are commonly held beliefs that are not true. There are myths regarding just about everything, and teeth are no exception. There are many myths about teeth. In this blog post, we will debunk seven of the most common ones.
Myth #1: Teeth are bones.
False! Teeth are not bones; they are actually made up of different types of tissues. The main tissue in teeth is called enamel, which is a hard, mineralized tissue. Underneath the enamel lies the dentin, which is a porous layer. The innermost layer of the tooth is known as the pulp and it contains the tooth nerve and blood vessels.
Myth #2: Baby teeth are not important.
False! Baby teeth are very important for a few reasons: They help children chew food correctly, they space out the adult teeth so they come in straight, and they act as placeholders for adult teeth. Although baby teeth will eventually fall out, it is important that they are not lost too soon, otherwise this can cause complications with the adult teeth.
Myth #3: Sugar rots teeth.
False! Although most people know that sugar is bad for their teeth, sugar does not rot teeth; bacteria does. Bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Consuming sugar becomes especially problematic when there is excess plaque on your teeth since bacteria live in plaque. However, regular brushing and flossing removes plaque and decreases the damage done by sugar.
Myth #4: White teeth are healthy teeth.
False! While white teeth may look good, that does not mean they are healthy. Teeth can be white and still be full of cavities. Conversely, teeth can be slightly tinted and be healthy. In fact, natural tooth color is usually tinted with red, yellow, or gray.
Myth #5: Teeth whitening can hurt your teeth.
False! Just because white teeth do not immediately mean healthy teeth, this doesn’t mean that teeth whitening hurts your teeth. When performed correctly, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. In fact, it is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures performed today.
Myth #6: Tooth sensitivity is only caused by a loss of tooth enamel.
False! There are many causes of tooth sensitivity, including gum disease, teeth grinding, and exposed root surfaces. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, be sure to see your dentist to find out the cause. While a loss of tooth enamel can also be a cause of tooth sensitivity, it is important to eliminate other causes before making assumptions.
Myth #7: Teeth deteriorate with age.
False! While it is true that teeth may yellow with age, this does not mean they are deteriorating. Tooth loss is not a natural part of aging, and your teeth can actually stay strong with age if you take care of them properly.
In Conclusion
We hope you found this blog post helpful in debunking some common myths about teeth! Remember, if you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to see your dentist. Thanks for reading!
Dr. Admar holds dual certificates — a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2010 from India and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2014 from Canada. He is now a full time practicing dentist in Kamloops where he provides a variety of services, including emergency dentistry. Dr. Admar spends hundreds of hours in continued dental education to stay up to date in cosmetic and implant dentistry and he has achieved several advanced qualifications.
