In this day and age of social media, the profusion of information is quite rich but is it authentic? Having read a piece of news or watching a meme, one might wonder whether it is true. But if the same thing has been all over the social media platforms, you could easily accept it as a fact, that is the truth effect!

The ‘Illusion of Truth Effect’ is a phenomenon that states, if you are told the same thing over and over again with an assertion, you will start believing it to be true. In all respect, that could happen for anything and especially the myths.

Myths have been a part of our world not from the social media ages but also from earlier times. It is nothing but a piece of information spread across masses with such magnitude and conviction for so long that it becomes a fact. This is not limited to celebrity life or societal gossip but is present in healthcare and wellness too.

Believe it or not, there are so many “untrue facts” around medical/dental problems that most truth may sound absurd to the believers. After reading this if you are torn between the actuality of dental fact or fiction, you are not alone. However, you need to rethink your oral wellbeing if you have been prey to these misdirected fictions. 

Nevertheless, debunking health myths is always the first step to awareness and we plan to do it right. It is time those dental myths get busted!!!

Following are some of the most commonly believed myths around oral health and the real truth behind these folk tales lie far beyond. 

Let's look at some myths and facts about oral hygiene:

BRACES

• If you think you are too old for braces even if you don't like your smile, you are wrong. Getting braces is possible at any age, your dentist will assess the situation and design the best treatment possible as per your convenience and spending capacity.

CAVITY

• Myths about tooth decay or cavity is that if ‘the tooth doesn't hurt there probably isn't any cavity or decay.’ The truth is, whether your teeth hurt or not if there is a cavity or decay, it is a problem and it can be present for a long time without hurting.

BLEEDING GUMS

• Brushing is causing bleeding gums. No, rather an incorrect brushing technique could be the reason. The cause of bleeding gums is majorly the remaining plaque near gums. Brushing properly, with correct technique and doctor recommended dental products is the best way to avoid any further complications.

YELLOW TEETH

• ‘Pale teeth are not healthy’ is a myth. One of the most important facts about dental health is that the enamel of the teeth (outer layer) is white but the dentin (inner layer) is pale (yellowish). When the enamel is thin or has suffered erosion, the dentin starts showing, hence the teeth may look pale and unclean.

BRUSHING

• One of the most prevalent teeth brushing myths is, ‘brushing harder and longer is good for teeth.’ Whereas the reality is,  vigorous brushing for a longer duration or more than recommended times a day will not make your teeth shinier. In fact, it can erode the enamel further and damage the gums too.

TEETH WHITENING

• If I choose teeth whitening destroys the enamel. No, the dental facts; teeth cleaning and whitening at a professional dental practice is advised by all dental professionals. It is a good practice to get teeth cleaning done at least two times a year.

TEETH CLEANING

• ‘Chewing gum is a substitute for brushing.’ No, chewing gum will not help clean your teeth as a substitute for brushing. It will put a strain on your jaw and the sugar in the gum is also harmful to your teeth. There isn't any substitute for brushing your teeth with a proper brush!

BABY BRUSHING

• Do you believe, babies don't need to brush? Think again, the dental facts suggest that babies may also suffer tooth decay if their teeth are not cleaned properly. Germs do not differentiate between deciduous teeth and permanent teeth, both need regular hygiene routines.

BABY TEETH

• Do not believe that any cavity in deciduous teeth doesn't matter. A cavity in baby teeth is simar to a cavity in permanent teeth. It does not matter whether those deciduous teeth will anyway fall or not, if there is a cavity it needs to be addressed by a skilled pediatric dentist.

DENTAL VISITS

• Are you one of those who think there is no need to visit the dentist if you feel no problem? The reality is, whether you are suffering from an oral issue or not, it is always a good habit to keep a check on your oral health situation. You must visit the dentist twice a year because you may miss a small symptom they won’t.

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