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It’s an irrefutable fact that dental health is essential to a person’s overall well-being. Nonetheless, there are several myths about it that, to this day, continue to either pique people’s anxiety or cloud their perception of the numerous benefits of dental care.

Let’s explore some of the most common dental health myths and debunk them with undiluted facts.

Myth #1 Routine dental check-ups are unnecessary.

The fact of the matter is that dental check-ups—oral prophylaxis, dental cleanings, and X-rays—lower your risk of developing dental caries, gum disease, and other problems. Regular check-ups enable your dentist to detect the subtlest problems in your teeth and gums before they become serious ones.  Unfortunately, about 26 percent of adults in the United States rarely visit their dentist, resulting in untreated cavities.

Myth #2 Oral health has nothing to do with overall health.

What happens in your mouth does not always stay in your mouth. That is to say, the effects of gum disease are not limited to bad breath or an unsightly smile—it spreads dangerous inflammation throughout your body.

Researchers see a strong link between periodontal problems and potentially life-threatening medical issues, such as:

• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Oral cancer – This condition affects 54,000 Americans annually. Left undetected and untreated, oral cancer kills about half that number within five years.
• Pregnancy complications

Myth #3 There’s no need to take care of baby teeth—they’re going to fall out anyway.

The truth is that your child’s primary teeth serve a crucial function as placeholders for their permanent teeth. They are essential for proper speech development and for biting, chewing, and digestion.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that childhood caries is one of the most common chronic diseases among preschool and school-age children, causing pain, missed school days, tooth alignment issues, among other problems.

Myth #4 Dental work always hurts.

This myth has kept many people from seeking proper oral healthcare. Dentists employ sedation dentistry and other types of dental anesthetics to ensure their patients are completely relaxed and comfortable throughout their procedures—regardless of their complexity.

First-Rate Dental Care in Plantation, FL

Dr. Ernie Soto combines his expertise with his charisma and dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive dental care, making all of our patients look forward to each of their appointments with us.

To schedule your routine check-up with Dr. Ernie. Soto, call us at (954) 368-6264, or use this online appointment request form.