Oral Health Fact or Myth?

There’s a lot to know about oral health and Virginia Beach family dentistry, and many patients may be unfamiliar with some key facts. Knowing the truth about oral health and distinguishing it from common myths can help you and your family enjoy healthy teeth for years to come.

Don’t overlook these eight open secrets about dentistry and oral health:

1. Baby Teeth Are More Important Than You Might Think.

Your first impression of baby teeth could be that they don’t really matter. They’re going to fall out at some point, so why bother worrying about them? But, this isn’t the case at all. Caring for baby teeth is important for healthy development and lifelong oral health.

If baby teeth are lost or need to be extracted before they naturally fall out, they leave a gap. The adult tooth won’t come in until it’s ready, so that gap could persist for years. During that time, other teeth can shift into the gap and cause a wide range of complications, leading to the need for orthodontic treatment.

2. Flossing Isn’t Just About Removing Stuck Food.

Flossing isn’t just about cleaning out bits of food after a meal. Even if you don’t notice any bits of food or don’t think you’ve eaten anything that would leave remnants, you still need to floss.

Flossing removes bacteria that accumulate in cracks between your teeth, whether you see them or not. It’s the same as how you need to brush every tooth surface, even if you don’t see anything there. Flossing is absolutely necessary if you want to prevent cavities and avoid additional fillings.

3. Always Let Your Dentist Know if You Take Aspirin.

If you’re coming in for any kind of Virginia Beach family dentistry treatment, it’s important to let the dentist know about any medications you’re taking. This applies to both prescription medications and over-the-counter medications like aspirin.

Aspirin, in particular, is a common concern. It relieves pain but also reduces the speed that blood clots develop, causing bleeding to last longer. If you’re undergoing any kind of treatment, your dentist should know.

4. Bad Breath Is More Than Just an Unpleasant Smell.

Bad breath is certainly unpleasant, but it can also be more than that. If you’re dealing with bad breath, it could be a sign of gingivitis. Other signs can include swollen or bleeding gums.

Bring up any of these symptoms with your dentist in Virginia Beach. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and acting fast is the best way to avoid negative outcomes.

5. Sealants Really Work.

Dental sealants are a wonderful preventive treatment that many families aren’t fully aware of—the resin sealant is applied over the molars, providing several years of lasting protection.

Dental sealants dramatically reduce the frequency of cavities. They are also practically unnoticeable because they’re only used for the teeth at the back of the mouth.

6. Missing Teeth Are a Long-Term Oral Health Concern.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you have more than the appearance of your smile to worry about. Missing teeth are a long-term oral health issue that can lead to a variety of issues that could require orthodontic treatment in the future.

Your teeth can shift into the gaps left by missing teeth, affecting bite and alignment. Replacement options like bridges and dental implants stop this from happening.

7. Early Orthodontic Intervention Makes a Major Difference.

When you bring your child into Virginia Beach family dentistry, your dentist might recommend early orthodontic intervention. These treatments help ensure proper development as your child’s teeth grow.

Treatments can address naturally occurring issues or those caused by thumb-sucking and other behaviors. The right early orthodontic intervention could help your child avoid needing braces as they grow older, an outcome that both parents and children can enjoy.

8. Your Tongue Can Indicate Your Oral Health—Don’t Forget to Brush It.

Your tongue can indicate a variety of oral health issues. Excessive whiteness or redness can mean something is wrong, and the development of sores and bumps can be very serious. Don’t ignore any potential issues with your tongue, and make sure to brush your tongue to remove bacteria whenever you brush your teeth.

Your Dentist in Virginia Beach

Understanding more about your oral health can help you identify a variety of issues, but keeping up with regular dental exams and cleanings is just as important as ever. 

King Dental can provide for all of your Virginia Beach family dentistry needs, both routine and otherwise. Contact us to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Virginia Beach today.