Most people brush and floss everyday but don't give too much thought to the health of their teeth until pain arises. Almost 75 percent of adults experience some form of anxiety when visiting the dentist, so it's no wonder that many people avoid the dentist until they are in pain. Unfortunately, this fear has spawned many myths that can be harmful to the health of dental patients. Learning the truth behind these common dental care myths can help you and your smile get healthy once again. 1. Baby Teeth Will Fall Out, So Young Children Don't Need to Visit the Dentist Almost four million children of preschool ages suffer from dental cavities. Though many of the teeth will fall out eventually, tooth decay can lead to infections, pain and problems with adult teeth growing in properly. Many parents falsely believe that their children don't need to see a dentist because they properly care for their child's teeth. The germs that cause tooth decay come from bacteria that can easily be spread through a family. These germs feed on sugar to cause dental problems. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist as soon as their baby teeth begin to emerge. …show more content…
Bleeding Gums Mean that the Teeth are Being Brushed Too Hard People who notice blood on their toothbrush while brushing their teeth may believe that it is caused by brushing too hard. Bleeding while brushing is a sign that gum disease is present in the mouth or that a person is at risk for developing it. When bacteria from the teeth enters the gums, gingivitis can result. Dr. Frederick Guerra of Guerra Dental recommends that his patients who notice bleeding should brush twice daily, floss thoroughly and visit the office as soon as possible for a complete dental exam. Treating gingivitis before it worsens is essential in keeping the mouth healthy and avoiding infection. 3. Oral Health Problems Only Affect the