A Dentist in Florham Park Busts Common Dental Myths

As a dentist in Florham Park, we help many patients stay in good oral health, and one of the ways we do so is by talking about oral hygiene. During these conversations, we are regularly asked questions that are derived from common myths. These myths tend to circulate throughout the community, making it important to visit our office with any questions or concerns you have about oral health. In the meantime, we have compiled a list of a few myths we hear the most frequently and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Baby teeth do not matter.

The Truth – As a dentist in Florham Park, we work to educate parents about the importance of baby teeth. They are critical to the immediate and long-term health of your children. Baby teeth make it possible to speak clearly, smile with confidence, and eat food. If they are not cared for by brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits, they can become infected. This can lead to unnecessary toothaches, the need for fillings and root canals, and restorations. We suggest focusing on preventative care so your children do not experience any discomfort.

Myth #2: The type of toothbrush I use does not matter.

The Truth – Yes, it does. As a dentist in Florham Park, we know that if you use a hard toothbrush, you are endangering your teeth because aggressive brushing can lead to erosion. There is a limited amount of enamel on your teeth, which serves to protect them and prevent sensitivity. If the enamel erodes, it will not grow back, creating further health problems. Using a soft toothbrush will prevent the accidental removal of your enamel. Just be sure to brush in a circular pattern for two minutes at a time to get the best possible clean.

Myth #3: Flossing is optional.

The Truth – Flossing is incredibly important to your oral health. This simple step is the best thing you can do for preventing gum disease on a daily basis. When you floss, you are removing the food particles and plaque that have become trapped in between your teeth. When plaque is left in these spaces, it can become trapped under the gum line and cause gum disease. This preventable condition is responsible for many cases of adult tooth loss. Flossing is therefore something that you should never forget to do.

Myth #4: Adults do not need to visit the dentist regularly.

The Truth – This is a dangerous myth because a majority of adults experience some level of adult tooth loss. Regular dental appointments help prevent this by allowing us to remove harmful plaque and bacteria before it causes tooth decay or gum disease. We suggest that you visit our office at least once a year, and twice if you are pregnant or diabetic. When you combine regular dental visits with brushing twice a day and flossing daily, you have the best shot at maintaining your natural teeth as you age.