DISPELLING ORAL HEALTH MYTHS

Welcome to another September edition of the Perrigo Dental Care blog!

Today we want to uncover some common myths that many patients accept as truth after hearing them repeated again and again.

Keep reading and then be sure to follow up with any questions you might have, and to schedule your next preventive appointment at our Hoover, AL dental practice.

Myth: Fluoride Is Bad For You

This one just isn’t true. To receive any harmful effects from fluoride you would need to be exposed to twenty times more than you likely get on a daily basis.

The fluoride you’re exposed to isn’t only safe, it’s essential for good oral health because it rebuilds damaged tooth enamel and protects you from disease and decay.

Myth: Your Toothbrush Gets Better With Age

Don’t be lazy! The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush approximately every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. This will help you optimize the effectiveness of this daily preventive exercise.

Myth: Bleeding When Brushing Is Normal

Not so! There is no reason for bleeding while brushing! It’s not due to brushing too hard. If your gums are bleeding it’s most likely a sign of the early forms of gum disease (gingivitis). And you will want to take action before it gets any worse. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to some serious medical conditions elsewhere in the body.

Myth: Young People Are Not Susceptible To Gum Disease

Think again! Gum disease is a very real possibility for people of any age or background. The older you get, your chances increase, and over the course of your life you have a high likelihood of ending up with some form of gum disease. But you can change your fate by staying on top of your home hygiene habits and coming to see us every 6 months.

Myth: Poor Health Causes Yellow Teeth

Yellow or stained teeth can make you feel self-conscious about smiling and less likely to socialize. But there really is no correlation between tooth color and health.

A professional teeth whitening treatment from Dr. Perrigo can help improve the look of your smile, but it’s not going to do anything for your health.

Myth: The Dentist Only Matters When Something Is Wrong

Prevention is always better than looking for treatments later. We can help you avoid major oral health issues when you stop by every 6 months for a comprehensive exam and professional teeth cleaning. You deserve it!

Myth: Brushing Right After Eating Is Best

Nope! When you brush your teeth within a half hour of eating you could actually be doing significant damage because your enamel is softened by sugars, acids, etc.

Myth: There Is Not A Permanent Solution For Missing Teeth

This one is definitely not true. Restorative dentistry can work wonders. At our office, we can set you up with dental implants, dentures, and other such things.

Fact: Perrigo Dental Care Is Here For You

We hope you have been inspired to schedule your consultation with Dr. Perrigo and the rest of our Hoover, AL dental team! Contact us now to make it happen!