Like doctors, dentists have been trained to help people live healthier and happier lives. So it’s strange when you hear some of the amusing myths that circulate about those who practice the profession.
Your typical dentist isn’t as scary as you would like to think he or she is. In actuality, all a dentist wants is to help you in the most convenient and least painful way possible. But with the myths being circulated concerning dentists, it’s easy to get the wrong idea. Hopefully by the time most people read this article, they’ll have a better understanding of what dentists are really up to.
- All dentists have perfect teeth with perfect smiles.
While it would make sense for a dentist to have a perfect camera ready smile since it’s a good promotional strategy for his/her office, very few dentists actually have such perfect dentition. Same way not every doctor is the perfect picture of health is the same way not all dentists have perfect teeth. After all, dentists are humans too and are thus inherently flawed.
- Dentists have no fear of dental procedures.
Being human and having to care for others with certain dental conditions, no dentist would surely like to swap roles with their patients. This reason is why a majority of dentists are extra careful with patients in order to guarantee they are as comfortable as can be throughout a procedure.
- Dentists prescribe brushing immediately after every meal.
While dentists understand that brushing your teeth regularly is crucial, they also understand that when you do brush your teeth is equally crucial. Brushing your teeth too many times in a day doesn’t give your saliva which is a natural cleaning agent the opportunity to effectively rinse out bacteria from your mouth. This why a typical dentist recommends brushing at least twice a day - once in the morning and again before bed. But if you’ve eaten a particularly sticky or sugary food, try brushing your teeth at least 30 minutes after that meal.
- Flossing is unnecessary.
Your toothbrush is an effective cleaning device but it has its limits regarding how much cleaning it can do. Flossing helps clean the in-between of your dentition that the bristles of your brush can’t reach. By effectively flossing, you clean out food particles from between your teeth and stop them from piling up to become an ideal habitation for harmful bacteria. So ignore this myth and keep flossing.
- Teeth bleaching leads to permanent sensitivity.
Bleaching opens up the pores of your enamel so that it can sink in deeper and remove any deep rooted stains. The process of opening up the pores of your tooth can lead to the teeth being more sensitive to hot and cold stuff in your mouth. But contrary to this myth, the sensitivity effect of the bleach treatment is temporary and will end soon as the pores on a tooth close back up.
- All dentists have a single brand that they stick with true thick and thin.
While it’s true most dentists have brands of dental products that they are most comfortable with, these same dentists will immediately shift to another brand’s product if it comes at a better price and with higher efficiency. Why blindly stick with one brand when another can deliver better results?
- Dentists don’t eat sweets.
This is an unfair myth. Dentists are human too and as humans, some have a love for sweet things ranging from hard candy to decadent ice cream. Difference between most people and dentists is the dentist tends to take better care of their teeth compared to most other people after indulging in sweets.
- There’s no need to see a dentist if your teeth look and feel alright.
This myth is similar to not getting your car checked simply because it’s still moving. Same way you need a mechanic to give your car an oil change and service it on occasion, is same way you should check on your dentist as often as necessary. By doing this, you get to verify that your teeth are in tiptop shape. And if during your routine visit the dentist spots a problem, it can be nipped in the bud before it becomes a full blown issue. Having your dentist look over your teeth at least once every six months is a smart move.
- All a dentist wants is your money.
No! All a dentist wants is to help.
While it’s true that dental care can cost a pretty penny, and while it might be true that certain dentists do charge excessively, the typical dentist actually charges a fair price to cover the cost of your treatment as well as equipment used. According to Louisiana Implant Dentistry, “…running and maintaining a dentist’s office isn’t cheap. Also, dental equipment as well as materials are expensive. But we try to ensure our patients don’t bear the brunt of these costs by charging them as fairly as possible…”
- A dentist won’t know if you haven’t been using your toothbrush.
While a dentist isn’t omnipotent, they do know what you’ve been up to once you open your mouth. And if you haven’t been brushing as instructed, the truth will lie starkly before them regardless what you say. The effects of poor dental hygiene accumulate over time, so if you brush right before visiting the dentist, the damage of your poor oral hygiene will not be erased by that single act.
- Dentists are cruel people who like watching patients suffer.
This one is a common myth and you can finally rest easy knowing it’s not true. If a dentist could treat you without you feeling anything, he/she would gladly do it. With present advancements in dental medicine, this is mostly possible except on some rare occasions. Just remember that a professional and committed dentist’s goal is to offer you the most stress free and painless treatment possible with the best results.
Now that you know the truth, let’s hope you no longer have any reservations concerning booking your next appointment with the dentist.