Busting Common Dental Myths

Myth #1: “Going to the dentist is a literal pain.”

Fact: From cavity repair to snoring treatment, advances in dental technology, such as laser dentistry, have made going to the dentist a more comfortable and positive experience. You can expect shorter treatment times, drill-free cavity treatment, reduced need for anesthetics, and faster healing time.

Myth #2: “It’s normal if my gums bleed with brushing and flossing.”

Fact: Healthy gums are firm, pink, and generally don’t bleed with routine brushing and flossing. If your gums are inflamed, cherry red, or fast to bleed, the chances are high that you have gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) and need to see your dentist ASAP.

Myth #3: “Veneers will make my teeth look fake.”

Fact: A well-trained cosmetic dentist specializes in making cosmetic dental treatments look completely natural. When done skillfully, a porcelain veneer treatment makes your teeth look naturally more beautiful, straight, bright, and even.

Myth #4: “Invisalign will give me a lisp.”

Fact: Some patients will experience a very mild lisp or speech change while their mouth and tongue get used to aligners. Speech is usually completely back to normal within a couple of weeks.

Myth #5: “Porcelain crowns break easily.”

Fact: The resilience of porcelain crowns largely depends on two factors: the experience of your dentist and the way you care for your crown. To increase your crown’s longevity, choose a skilled restorative dentist, treat clenching or grinding habits, and commit yourself to twice-annual dental visits and daily brushing and flossing.

Myth #6: “Dental implants require special care.”

Fact: Caring for dental implants is just like caring for regular teeth—twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, and biannual visits to your dentist.

Myth #7: “Baby teeth aren’t important.”

Fact: Though they’ll eventually fall out, baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) are important to your child’s health and development and are just as important as permanent teeth. In addition to holding space in the jaws for permanent (adult) teeth, baby teeth help your child properly chew, smile, and speak.

Myth #8: “I don’t really need to have my teeth cleaned and examined twice a year.”

Fact: Healthy habits, including a solid oral hygiene routine, help keep your mouth and teeth happy and healthy. But even if you take amazing daily care of your teeth, only your dental team can detect issues early, screen for oral cancer, remove plaque deposits and stains, and treat cavities and gum disease.

Myth #9: “Dental X-rays will expose me to harmful radiation.”

Fact: While dental X-rays use a low dose of radiation and are considered safe, you can further reduce your exposure by going digital. In addition to providing a clearer picture, digital X-rays reduce your radiation exposure by up to 90%.

Myth #10: “Dentists only work on teeth.”

Fact: In addition to promoting the health of your teeth and gums, your dentist can also help you beautify your smile’s appearance, screen and prevent oral cancer, treat TMJS (temporomandibular joint syndrome), and reduce or eliminate snoring.