myths vs facts written on chalkboardThere is a lot of misinformation out there regarding dental care. You may recall this post back in May, in which we explored 5 myths about oral health. At Metropolitan Dental Care, we want our patients to be well-informed and educated about all things dental. Therefore, your dentist in Highlands Ranch, CO will continue this series by introducing 5 more oral healthcare myths that we commonly hear at our practice.

Myth #1: Gum disease is rare.

We always think it can’t happen to us. For some reason, many individuals seem to think that periodontal disease is rare. In fact, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly half of all Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. Unfortunately, the longer this condition is left untreated, the worse it becomes. Therefore, if you notice red, inflamed, or bleeding gums, notify your dentist in Highlands Ranch, CO right away. If the disease is still in its earliest stage, it can be reversed before damage is done.

Myth #2: If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t go to the dentist.

At Metropolitan Dental Care, our team is sensitive to the needs of women who are expecting. In fact, we will not recommend x-rays or certain treatments during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. That being said, hormone fluctuations during this time can have a tremendous negative impact on oral health. Therefore, we encourage our patients to keep their routine dental appointments throughout their pregnancy so that we can properly monitor the teeth and gums.

Myth #3: Teeth whitening damages your enamel.

Some individuals fear that teeth whitening can cause the protective layer of your teeth to wear thin. On the contrary, professional bleaching lightens the teeth with oxygen molecules which penetrate the teeth and break apart the chemical bonds that create stains. However, abrasive substances in certain whitening toothpastes can damage your enamel. Therefore, if you are considering a whitening toothpaste, be sure to ask you dentist for recommendations.

Myth #4: You don’t need to floss as long as you brush your teeth every day.

A few years ago, this topic made the headlines. Some claimed that flossing is unnecessary as long as you are practicing good brushing habits every day. This is 100 percent false. Without flossing, you are only cleaning half of your tooth surfaces, leaving plenty of room for food particles, debris, and harmful bacteria to hide. In turn, this can lead to extensive interproximal decay as well as gum disease. In addition to brushing twice a day, patients should floss at least once a day for optimal oral health, no exceptions.

Myth #5: A regular dental cleaning is just as effective as a deep cleaning.

A deep cleaning – also referred to as scaling and root planing – is typically recommended as the first line of defense against periodontitis. This procedure is more extensive and thorough than a regular dental cleaning. In fact, the gums are numbed so that your hygienist can clean deep below the gum line where harmful irritants have accumulated. If you have gingivitis – the earliest stage of gum disease – then the condition can usually be treated with a regular cleaning, as bone loss has not taken place yet.

Contact Your Dentist in Highlands Ranch, CO

If you have questions about properly caring for your teeth and gums, reach out to your dentist in Highlands Ranch, CO. Metropolitan Dental Care has served the communities of Denver, Lone Tree, Parker, Centennial, and Highlands Ranch for over three decades. Contact us online anytime or call us at 303-534-2626.