Dentists Debunk 15 Teeth Myths

Dentists Dr. John Yoo and Dr. Jason Lin leave no gaps in the truth:

The tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth

Not only is there no tooth fairy (we are shocked), but also…

1. “Baby teeth aren’t important.”
   False! Baby teeth act as space holders for permanent teeth, affect speech development, and influence a child’s psychological well-being.
2. “Acidic fruits will whiten your smile.”
   False! In any practical sense, anyway: acidic fruits may temporarily make teeth appear whiter by dispersing stains but cause enamel erosion and weaken teeth over time.
3. “Fillings last forever.”
   False! Fillings can wear down, fail, or develop cavities underneath if oral hygiene isn’t maintained, requiring replacement over time.
4. “Cavities are irreversible.”
   False! Cavities in the enamel can be reversed with fluoride and good oral hygiene, but cavities that reach the dentin are typically irreversible.
5. “Braces are just for crooked teeth.”
   False! Braces also correct functional issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and prevent future complications like tooth impaction.
6. “A knocked-out tooth is gone for good.”
   False! A knocked-out tooth can be reimplanted if done quickly (ideally within an hour); storing it in whole milk or saliva helps preserve it.
7. “Diet sodas won’t give you cavities.”
   False! Diet sodas can still cause cavities due to their acidic pH, which erodes enamel, even without sugar.
8. “Dental cleanings aren’t necessary.”
   False! Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t, and allow for regular oral health checkups.
9. “Retainers aren’t for life.”
   False! To maintain teeth alignment after braces, retainers should be worn long-term as teeth can shift even years later.
10. “You should floss before brushing.”
    False! The order doesn’t matter, but do floss regularly.
11. “Everyone has wisdom teeth.”
    False! Not everyone is born with wisdom teeth; they are the most commonly missing teeth, and not everyone needs them removed.
12. “Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are good toothpaste replacements.”
    False! While they are common components in toothpaste, they lack fluoride, which is essential for remineralizing and protecting enamel.
13. “You’re too old to get braces.”
    False! There’s no age limit for braces or aligners; adults often seek them for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
14. “Teeth that have had root canals can’t feel.”
    False! Teeth with root canals can’t feel pain from nerves, but you can still sense pressure due to surrounding ligaments.
15. “You’ll inevitably lose all your teeth when you’re old.”
    False! Good oral hygiene and regular dental care can preserve natural teeth into old age, though genetics also play a role.

For more on each of these, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

You might also like to read:

How To Keep Your Teeth Young

Take care!