Ugh! Let’s Stop the Myths About Cavities and Tooth Decay!

Debunking Myths About Cavities and Tooth Decay

Have you ever wondered why cavities and tooth decay happen? Even as adults, we aren’t always aware of how a cavity forms or why tooth decay happens to us, even if we are following a good dental routine. Berrien Dental in Berrien Springs, MI, has a team that is devoted to helping you keep your teeth in great shape and avoid cavities. Keep on reading to learn about cavity and tooth decay myths and how we debunk them.

Myth 1: Only sugar causes cavities.

While prolonged exposure to sugar is never a good thing, it isn’t the only thing that can cause a cavity. Cavities are actually caused by acids that are produced by bacteria in your mouth. This means that any food or drink you consume, especially if it is high in sugar or acid, has the potential to cause problems for your teeth. 

Any sort of prolonged sugar or acid exposure means there is a chance for the bacteria in your mouth to attack the enamel on your teeth, making it vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay. This is why dentists recommend brushing your teeth about a half hour after you eat or drink something. 

Proper brushing can help prevent the bacteria from attacking your teeth. If you aren’t able to brush your teeth after eating these foods, rinsing your mouth with water can help wash away bacteria and reset the pH balance in your mouth.

Myth 2: Kids are the only ones who get cavities.

The truth is anyone can get cavities, especially around the gum lines or older fillings. This is why dentists push for healthy brushing habits from day one. 

Routine dental checkups are also encouraged. The dental team at Berrien Dental recommends you visit their office at least twice a year, or every six months, for a dental check-up. 

During your check-up, you’ll receive a complete dental evaluation, where your dentist will examine your entire mouth. Often, dental X-rays are recommended, because this helps your dentist identify any dental issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Think of these dental check-ups as preventative care, which can help stop major dental issues from forming.

Myth 3: You’ll feel pain if you have a cavity.

This is false and we’ll tell you why. You don’t always feel pain when you have a cavity. Often cavities will start silently, and you won’t have any symptoms until it is too late. Some signs of tooth decay, such as increased sensitivity, can be explained away as a reaction to hot or cold foods, for example. 

Because cavities can be too small to notice and come with no warning, Berrien Dental encourages our patients to visit us at least twice a year for preventative dental care. Regular dental check-ups can help catch dental issues early.

Myth 4: Brushing harder prevents cavities.

The harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth get, right? WRONG. In fact, brushing too hard and brushing too frequently can be harmful for your teeth. If you are brushing too hard, you can actually harm your tooth’s enamel, as well as the gums. This can then increase your mouth’s vulnerability to cavities and tooth decay. 

You can also cause your teeth harm if you are brushing with a toothpaste that contains any sort of grit in it, like some charcoal toothpastes. This is because the grit in the toothpaste is abrasive and can scrub away the enamel of the tooth, making it weak and susceptible to cavities. 

Instead, choose a toothpaste with fluoride in it. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to fortify your enamel. 

The Berrien Dental team also suggests brushing your teeth in small, gentle circles, with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. This will help gently clean your teeth without causing them harm.

Facts Over Fiction

There are many dental myths floating around, but if you’re ever confused, don’t hesitate to ask the Berrien Dental team. We are dedicated to keeping your teeth healthy and are more than happy to bust those myths and give you the facts over fiction.

Schedule a visit with Berrien Dental today.

If you are worried you have a cavity, you should make an appointment at Berrien Dental so we can perform a complete dental evaluation to make sure your teeth aren’t in danger. After your dental evaluation, the Berrien team can address any dental issues, if you have them, and discuss next steps to get your teeth back to good health. Give us a call today to schedule your next visit, especially if you haven’t been to our Berrien Springs or St. Joseph office in the last six months.